Title: Robotic Limbs to Assist Astronauts in Lunar Exploration
Falling is a common occurrence for astronauts in space, given the challenges posed by bulky space suits and lower gravity levels. To address this issue, engineers at MIT have developed an exoskeleton called “SuperLimbs” that aims to provide support and help astronauts regain their footing in the moon’s low gravity environment.
The SuperLimbs are integrated into a backpack, which also houses the motors powering the robotic limbs and the astronaut’s life support system. This prototype system responds directly to the wearer’s feedback, offering constructive support when sitting or lying down to help them get back up with minimal energy expenditure.
According to MIT doctoral student Erik Ballesteros, falls during the Apollo era were most common when astronauts were engaged in excavation or manual labor tasks. With the upcoming Artemis missions focusing on construction and excavation, the risk of falling is expected to be higher. The SuperLimbs exoskeleton can aid in the recovery process, allowing astronauts to be more productive during extravehicular activities (EVAs) and extending their mission capabilities.
The Artemis program, initiated in 2025, aims to explore the moon further and establish a lunar base. Given the serious risk of falling on the moon, MIT’s SuperLimbs has been adapted from a previous prototype designed for terrestrial laborers. The team began modifying the exoskeleton after discussions with NASA, recognizing the potential to assist astronauts in recovering from falls and continuing their work.
To develop the system, researchers studied how people typically recover from falls and found that approximately 80% of individuals utilize similar strategies. Based on this understanding, the team designed a control system that operates a pair of robotic arms emerging from the backpack to provide assistance to astronauts.
In collaboration with NASA, MIT plans to conduct testing of the SuperLimbs exoskeleton at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory over the summer. This will help validate the system’s effectiveness and refine its design for future lunar missions.
The integration of robotic limbs in space exploration highlights the importance of leveraging advancements in technology to enhance astronaut safety and productivity. By addressing specific challenges faced during lunar missions, such as falling in low gravity environments, scientists are pushing the boundaries of human capabilities in space. The SuperLimbs exoskeleton represents a promising solution that can potentially revolutionize the way astronauts navigate and work on the moon, ultimately contributing to the success of future lunar endeavors.
