Successful testing of the TerraScout multi-robotic system on the Lunar Surface Simulator

Ljubljana, 23 July 2025 – LAMPA has completed the testing of the TerraScout multi-robotic system on the Lunar Surface Simulator at the LUNA facility in Cologne, Germany. The project was funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) under the RPA activities for Associated Members.

The TerraScout project aims to develop an autonomous system for lunar surface exploration. It is based on the idea that the future of space exploration lies in systems composed of several simpler, smaller and cheaper robotic units, capable of cooperating and operating autonomously. Such systems allow for more efficient and faster exploration of celestial bodies, as cooperation implies greater flexibility and robustness of the overall system while reducing the cost and complexity of individual units. The TerraScout project aims to develop an advanced system for autonomous 3D depth camera mapping and prospecting of the lunar surface, using multiple robotic units working together. The system is designed to provide accurate and reliable data on the topography and physical properties of the surface, which can be used as a basis for further exploration and other missions on the Moon.

The LUNA facility, located next to the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, officially opened its doors in September 2024 as a state- of-the-art training and testing centre for future lunar missions. It is a joint project of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The facility serves as a “Moon on Earth”, designed to replicate conditions on the lunar surface, allowing astronauts, scientists, and engineers to train and test innovative technologies in preparation for human and robotic missions to the Moon. The facility includes a test area of 700 square meters with a simulated lunar regolith, mimicking the dust and rocks, and simulating day and night lighting conditions on the Moon. To facilitate comprehensive testing, the facility also includes preparation areas for research, control rooms, and laboratory spaces.

The testing of the TerraScout system took place on 15 and 16 July 2025. A total of 13 tests were conducted to verify the suitability of the robots for traversing the lunar surface and the effectiveness of the developed autonomous mapping and prospecting capabilities. The tests were carried out in scenarios with different fleet sizes and under varying lighting conditions.

The tests successfully demonstrated the performance of the TerraScout system in terms of mapping quality and soil bearing capacity measurement. The data collected during the tests opens up possibilities for extended analysis and further development of computer vision systems for lunar applications, navigation on the lunar surface, and inter-robot cooperation to achieve a high level of autonomy and efficiency in space exploration.