Tech Desk: NASA is pushing the boundaries of space exploration with its groundbreaking new prototype, the Exploration Rover for Navigating Extreme Sloped Terrain, or Ernest. While current Mars rovers like Perseverance crawl at just under .1 mph and struggle with rough terrain, Ernest promises to revolutionize how we explore other worlds.

Tested in the challenging Colorado Desert, the four-wheeled Ernest prototype boasts an impressive top speed of about .6 mph—six times faster than its predecessors. Its most remarkable feature is an active suspension system that allows it to individually lift its wheels, enabling it to “step” over or onto obstacles. This sophisticated design supports various gaits, including squirming, wheel-walking, and direct obstacle-climbing.

This isn’t just about speed; it’s about unparalleled mobility. The Ernest rover can switch between active and passive suspension modes, adapting to energy needs and terrain. With four steerable wheels and enhanced independent decision-making capabilities, it aims to cover significantly more ground with less reliance on human controllers back on Earth.

As JPL planetary scientist James Keane noted, “You could do a science road trip across the Moon — or Mars — with this vehicle.” Since its inception in 2022, multiple iterations of Ernest have been tested, pushing the limits of what future lunar and Martian missions can achieve, paving the way for more ambitious scientific discoveries.