NASA Conducts Desert Trials for Next-gen Rover Technology

WHO:

Phys.org - NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory developed the prototype rover called ERNEST (Exploration Rover for Navigating Extreme Sloped Terrain).

WHAT:

Gizmodo - During the recent field test, ERNEST traveled at speeds up to 0.6 miles per hour (1 kilometer per hour) across seven days of intermittent testing.

Gizmodo - ERNEST is equipped with a suspension system that allows it to manage weight distribution among its wheels and can drive using different gaits like squirming, wheel-walking, and obstacle-climbing.

Gizmodo - The rover is smaller than its predecessors at only 4 feet (1.2 meters) long.

Gizmodo - The team designed two earlier prototypes at about 2 feet (0.6 meters) long for earlier experiments.

Gizmodo - The autonomous algorithm was first tested in an obstacle course with sand ripples, rubble piles, steps, and steep slopes in JPL’s Mars Yard.

Gizmodo - ERNEST was tested in complete darkness to evaluate its ability to travel at dusk and dawn on the Moon.

NASA - The rover ERNEST is being tested for its advanced mobility and robotic autonomy capabilities.

NASA - During the field test, the rover traveled approximately 16 miles (26 kilometers) with minimal intervention from engineers.

WHERE:

Phys.org - The field test took place in the Colorado Desert near Plaster City, California.

WHEN:

Phys.org - The field test occurred in March 2026.

WHY:

NASA - The testing aims to develop autonomy software for a potential lunar mission that requires higher speeds and greater mileage than current planetary rovers can achieve.

HOW:

NASA - The rover serves as a testbed for advancing robotic autonomy capabilities.

(UPDATED June 19, 2026 23:18 UTC)

In a recent field test, the rover ERNEST demonstrated its capabilities by traveling at speeds up to 0.6 miles per hour across seven days of intermittent testing. This innovative rover, measuring just 4 feet long, features a unique suspension system that allows it to manage weight distribution and navigate using various gaits like squirming and obstacle-climbing. Additionally, the team evaluated ERNEST's autonomous algorithm in a challenging obstacle course at JPL’s Mars Yard and tested its performance in complete darkness to ensure it can operate effectively during dusk and dawn on the Moon.

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(UPDATED June 19, 2026 12:20 UTC)

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has developed a prototype rover named ERNEST, designed for navigating extreme sloped terrain, and it recently underwent field testing in the Colorado Desert near Plaster City, California. During the test, ERNEST successfully traveled approximately 16 miles with minimal intervention from engineers, showcasing its advanced mobility and robotic autonomy capabilities. This testing is crucial for developing autonomy software aimed at enhancing future lunar missions, which will require higher speeds and greater mileage than current planetary rovers can achieve.