ETNA experimental campaign succeeds on Mount Etna

The ETNA experimental campaign on Mount Etna was successful. The tests confirmed locomotion, autonomous navigation, intelligent control, and scientific payload management.

ETNA is Exploration Technology for Navigation & Autonomy. ASI funded the effort and coordinated the tests.

The tests took place on Monte Etna, selected for its unique geological characteristics and its role as a lunar surface analog.

The campaign showed ETNA could cross highly rugged terrain. In controlled scenarios, it verified interaction with terrain analogous to lunar and Martian surfaces and the effectiveness of different driving modes.

It also verified the reliability of algorithms for localization, mapping, planning, and autonomous maneuver selection.

Confirmed capabilities included locomotion, autonomous navigation, intelligent control, and scientific payload management. The tests also validated the electrical power and distribution subsystem and the operational interface for real-time control and monitoring.

ETNA is part of the Universal Locomotion System, which is entirely funded by ASI and within ASI's Robotics and Artificial Intelligence roadmap. ASI defines the ULS roadmap, and Thales Alenia Space Italia guides ULS.

ULS contributors include ALTEC, AIKO, Leonardo, IIT – Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Politecnico di Torino, and Volta Structural Energy.

ETNA is described as a flexible technological base for next generations of lunar surface rovers. The campaign included reconfiguration tests under simulated faults, and its name was chosen through an Instagram poll.

The effort is a new step in lunar exploration technologies under an ASI milestone. The campaign provides a flexible technological base for next generations of lunar surface rovers.

ULS is identified as enabling technologies for future robotic and human lunar exploration. The listed future rover tasks include transporting scientific instruments, inspection and construction, supporting astronauts, and operating without direct supervision.