The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
Go to topicSurface mobility is essential for future planetary exploration missions. Multiple legged mobility systems allow access to more challenging and difficult terrain that would otherwise be inaccessible with conventional wheeled rovers. A new navigation system is however required to fully exploit the capabilities and extreme trafficability of a walking robot – every foothold, incline and obstacle needs to be carefully considered.
A TDE funded activity led by DFKI GmbH (Germany), together with the Italian Institute of Technology (Italy) and Airbus Defence and Space (UK), developed a new guidance, navigation and control system for multiple legged robots. The new system is both agnostic and adaptable, allowing for the energy efficient four-legged robot and the more stable six-legged robot to safely negotiate challenging and cluttered terrain.