Mexico to launch first mission of autonomous mini-robots to moon for soil exploration

As part of Colmena project to explore soil in space, Mexican scientists announced launch of first mission of autonomous mini-robots to moon in June 2022. Gustavo Medina Tanco, he of space instrumentation laboratory at National Autonomous University of Mexico's Institute for Nuclear Sciences (UNAM), stated that Colmena will demonstrate, using nature as an example, that extremely small robot can function as both researchers and miners when properly coordinated, Sputnik reported. Colmena project's first mission includes 5 robots each weighing less than 0.1 pound and having a diameter of 4.7 inches. 

placement of all electronic devices in 0.8 inches directly above earth is a distinguishing feature of se mini-robots. y will execute synchronised functions and work on surfaces of non-atmospheric space bodies separately, with mission lasting around 13 terrestrial days or one lunar day. robots have alrey been transported to United States and placed on Peregrine lunar lander spacecraft by Astrobotic. spaceship is slated to launch in June, as per Sputnik. 

UNAM's Colmena started its operations in 2016

It should be mentioned here that Colmena, a UNAM project, began its operations in 2016. Its goal is to investigate potential of mini-robots functioning in space and ir self-organization capabilities, as well as prospect of mining rare earth metals on asteroids. Meanwhile, Japanese carmaker Toyota is also planning to launch a mission to Moon. 

Toyota to work with JAXA to develop a 'Lunar Cruiser'

company has agreed to work with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on development of a 'Lunar Cruiser' for astronauts to use on space missions. Toyota officials have stated that ir Lunar Cruiser will be rey for launch in late 2020s, with ultimate goal of assisting people in living on Moon by 2040 and afterwards on Mars. According to Takao Sato, he of Toyota Motor Corp's Lunar Cruiser project, aim behind developing Lunar Cruiser is to allow people to eat, work, sleep, and connect with ors safely in cars in outer space, as y do on Earth, Associated Press (AP) reported.