The newspaper China Space Daily reported on a groundbreaking mission that set new standards in lunar sample return. The mission involved a tiny 4-wheeled rover named KA Drom, which captured the lunar module of the Chang’e-6 mission and unfurled the national flag of China on the far side of the moon, invisible from Earth. Weighing only 5 kg, the rover is equipped with artificial intelligence systems.
On June 3, the autonomous mini-robot was released from the landing module and began independently moving across the lunar surface. Using AI algorithms to optimize shooting angles, the rover captured images of the Chang’e-6 probe, which were then transmitted back to Earth automatically.
The published frames reveal the rover’s tracks in the morning sunlight, along with the module itself featuring open solar panels and a robotic hand-manipulator with a tool for collecting lunar samples. Despite its small size, the rover boasts advanced autonomous capabilities and integrated light equipment, showcasing the team’s expertise in artificial intelligence.
Opinions among scientists vary regarding the extent of AI involvement in the rover’s photography work. While some, like Quentin Parker from the University of Hong Kong, believe this is the first instance of AI use on the lunar surface, others, like Harvard astronomer Jonathan McDowell, consider the term “AI” in this context to be somewhat exaggerated. Nonetheless, the high-quality images demonstrate the sophisticated software capabilities of the rover.
The rover’s primary objective was to capture a selfie and test algorithms crucial for future space exploration missions. China is currently developing larger and more advanced lunar rovers for the upcoming Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 missions, with the goal of establishing a fully operational lunar base by 2028.
Details regarding the number of photographs taken during the rover’s lunar expedition and whether it successfully captured the return module with lunar samples remain unknown. Operating without specialized thermal protection, the miniature rover had to endure extreme temperature conditions on the lunar surface.