Hidden Passageways on Mars and the Moon: Will They House Future Bases?

A Natural Shield: tunnels on the Moon

Lava tubes form when the surface of a flowing lava stream cools and hardens while the molten magma inside continues to surge. Eventually, the magma drains away to leave behind a hollow, skeletal conduit. Tunnels on the Moon and Mars can stretch for dozens of miles. They can also reach diameters of hundreds of yards. Most importantly, their thick rocky ceilings provide a natural fortress against cosmic radiation, micrometeoroids, and the wild temperature fluctuations that plague the surface.

Consequently, these sites are increasingly topping the list for future “underground” lunar and Martian colonies. For astrobiologists, the lure is even greater. These caves might preserve traces of ancient water activity or even provide niches where microbial life could have once clung to existence.

Three Robots Blazing the Trail

A European research team, coordinated by the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), has developed a mission concept utilising three autonomously cooperating robots. Each machine boasts a unique design and a specific tactical role:

• SherpaTT: A large, rugged robot serving as the mobile base platform. It acts as the tethering anchor, providing both power and long-range communication.
• Coyote III: A small, nimble rover lowered by a cable into the cave’s depths. Once inside, it independently scouts the corridors and generates high-resolution 3D maps.
• LUVMI X: A mid-sized rover that approaches the entrance “skylight” and drops sensor modules inside to gather the very first data points.

Researchers emphasise that the synergy between these diverse machines represents the breakthrough needed to safely breach a lava tube. Furthermore, it helps conduct a detailed reconnaissance of its interior.

Step-by-Step: Exploring the Planetary Unknown

The mission concept unfolds in four precise phases, systematically peeling back the layers of the unknown.

Phase 1: The mission begins on the surface as SherpaTT and LUVMI X survey the area surrounding the entrance. Their measurements create a 3D map of the site. This map allows engineers to select a safe spot to anchor the tether and position the equipment.

Phase 2: LUVMI X launches a small sensor module into the opening. This device measures the geometry of the entrance and environmental parameters, providing a detailed 3D model of the upper cavern.

Phase 3: Using this data, SherpaTT manoeuvres into the optimal position and deploys its winching system. Then, it slowly lowers Coyote III through the skylight. Once Coyote III makes a safe landing on the cave floor, it disconnects from both the cable and the docking mechanism.

Phase 4: The final phase is the actual exploration. Coyote III moves autonomously through the alien terrain, navigating obstacles and gradually building a 3D map of the corridor. This data beams back to the surface, where it helps planners decide everything from where to place scientific instruments to the layout of a future habitat.

Lunar Conditions on Lanzarote

To prove the concept works in the real world, the team conducted a multi-week trial in the volcanic caves of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. The geology and structure of the tunnels on the Moon find an excellent terrestrial analogue here. Therefore, the island is a long-standing proving ground for ESA missions.

The tests lasted three weeks and featured full mission simulations. The robots operated autonomously: SherpaTT and LUVMI X mapped the entrance, while Coyote III descended 770 feet (235 metres) into the darkness to gather data. The team overcame real-world hurdles, including volatile weather, razor-sharp volcanic rocks, and restricted radio connectivity. Ultimately, the trials confirmed that the system performs exactly as designed. The robots successfully completed every mission stage.

A Safe Haven Before the Humans Arrive

The successful field tests pave the way for adapting this system for upcoming lunar and Martian missions. Autonomous, cooperating robots will be the “pathfinders.” They will identify the most promising tubes, assess the stability of the ceilings, measure radiation and temperature, and hunt for potential resources like water ice.

For a long-term human presence on the Moon or Mars, this strategy drastically lowers the risk for crews. Astronauts will only descend into these subterranean worlds after robots confirm the environment is structurally sound and habitable. Furthermore, the detailed geological data will allow mission architects to pick the absolute best location for a permanent base.

Beyond the logistical benefits, the data these robots harvest will deepening our understanding of other worlds, and what tunnels on the Moon may make possible.

Read this article in Polish: Ukryte tunele na Marsie i Księżycu. Czy powstaną tam bazy?