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Desert field test with NASA advanced rover prototype

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory conducted a field test of a prototype rover called ERNEST in the Colorado Desert near Plaster City, California, in March 2026. The rover, designed for advanced mobility and robotic autonomy, covered 16 miles (26 kilometers) over 37 hours, significantly faster than NASA's Perseverance rover on Mars. The test included evaluations of the rover's performance during low-light conditions to simulate lunar polar regions.

The rover traveling toward its shadow. Credit: NASA

A prototype four-wheel rover developed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory with advanced mobility and robotic autonomy capabilities trundled across the Colorado Desert near Plaster City, California, during a field test in March 2026. Called ERNEST (Exploration Rover for Navigating Extreme Sloped Terrain), the rover served here as a test bed for autonomy software developed for a potential lunar mission requiring higher speeds and much greater mileage than can be achieved with current planetary rovers.

ERNEST was trailed by engineers as it traveled 16 miles (26 kilometers) over 37 hours of drive time. That's more than 10 times the speed at which NASA's Perseverance rover can navigate on Mars.

Two team members setting up illuminators on the rover at night. Credit: NASA

Three team members observing the rover during its long-range traverse. Credit: NASA

The rover with one wheel up on a rock. Credit: NASA

The team also tested how well the rover traveled at dusk, dawn and nighttime to simulate the experience of large terrain shadows in polar regions on the moon.

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Citation :

Desert field test with NASA advanced rover prototype (2026, June 19)

retrieved 19 June 2026

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Source document: NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory

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Phys.orgIndependentCenter2 days ago
Desert field test with NASA advanced rover prototype

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory conducted a field test of a prototype rover called ERNEST in the Colorado Desert near Plaster City, California, in March 2026. The rover, designed for advanced mobility and robotic autonomy, covered 16 miles (26 kilometers) over 37 hours, significantly faster than NASA's Perseverance rover on Mars. The test included evaluations of the rover's performance during low-light conditions to simulate lunar polar regions.

Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of a technical test involving a NASA rover prototype without any overt ideological framing, biased language, or selective emphasis. It focuses on the technological aspects of the rover's development and testing, with no mention of political implications or pole

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