NASA is testing a new rover prototype called Ernest, designed to drive faster and climb obstacles. The Ernest prototype has four wheels and can individually lift its wheels to step on or over obstacles.
The space agency has been testing Ernest in the Colorado Desert, exploring new approaches for future missions on Mars and the moon. The prototype drove for over 37 hours across seven days, covering roughly 16 miles, and hit a top speed of about .6 mph.
The goal with Ernest is to develop technology for rovers that can cover more ground, faster, with less reliance on human controllers back on Earth. With its advanced capabilities, Ernest could enable 'science road trips' across the Moon or Mars.
