ESA is Testing a Modular Multipurpose Rover that Could Be a Science Lab or a Tiny Bulldozer. Most rovers have been built for Mars, and each one of them is a complex machine designed with specific goals and terrains in mind

The European Space Agency (ESA) is testing a modular multipurpose rover that could be a science lab or a tiny bulldozer. The rover is known as the European Moon Rover System (EMRS). The rovers are designed to adapt to various lunar missions. 

The ESA is developing a new generation of modular rovers. The rovers will play a crucial role in upcoming ESA missions. 

The ESA also has other modular multipurpose projects, including: 

• Modular Multi-Functional Structural Panels 
• Columbus laboratory 
• Orbital Robotics Lab 
• Permanent Multipurpose Module Leonardo

Instead of building separate rovers for each specific task, the EMRS takes a modular approach to meet the needs of different lunar missions. The ESA plans to use the EMRS for four upcoming missions: the Polar Explorer (PE), In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), Astrophysics Lunar Observatory (ALO), and Lunar Geological Exploration Mission (LGEM

The Columbus laboratory is a research laboratory permanently attached to the International Space Station (ISS).  It is the largest single contribution to the ISS by the European Space Agency (ESA).  The Columbus laboratory is 6.9 meters long and has a diameter of 4.5 meters.  It contains 75 cubic meters of space and has a suite of research equipment. 

The Columbus laboratory was constructed in Turin, Italy by Thales Alenia Space. It was put into operation on February 11, 2008. The Space Shuttle Atlantis carried the Columbus laboratory in the STS-122/1E mission. 

The Columbus laboratory provides internal payload accommodation for experiments in multidisciplinary research into material science, fluid physics, and life science. It has four un-pressurized payload platforms that can be attached outside the starboard cone, on the Columbus External Payload Facility (CEPF). Each external payload can accommodate small instruments and experiments totaling up to 230 kilograms (507 lb). 

Modular multi-functional structural panels are precast panels used in a modern construction technique called modular panelized construction. These panels are lightweight and provide structural strength. They can be prefabricated in a manufacturing facility. 

Here are some modular multi-functional structural panels: 

• PUF panels Polyurethane foam insulated panels are 100% eco-friendly and resistant to corrosion. They are cost-effective, easily maintained, and keep machinery corrosion free. 
• Structural insulated panels (SIPs) SIPs are relatively strong due to their composite foam core. The outer OSB reinforces the foam core and makes SIPs much more robust than timber. SIPs are manufactured off-site and assembled at the building site. 

Other modular multi-functional structural panels include: 

• Lightweight composites 
• Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)

Orbital robotics is the development of systems that can operate in near- or far-Earth orbits. The goal is to create systems that can: 

• Assist astronauts during IVA and EVA 
• Maintain and repair orbital space systems 
• Support the set-up or assemble large space structures 

Here are some orbital robotics labs: 

• ESA – Orbital Robotics Lab The facility includes Europe’s largest 2D free floating testbed, a motion capturing system, and manoeuvrable floating platforms 
• ORION Spacecraft Robotics Lab The Orbital Robotic Interaction, On-orbit servicing, and Navigation (ORION) laboratory at Florida Institute of Technology 
• AI robotics facilities (STAR lab) The University of Surrey has physical simulation testbeds of up to 8DoF orbital dynamics and motion of cooperative or non-cooperative target objects in free space 

Other orbital robotics labs include: 

• Peraspera 
• Automation and Robotics Laboratories 
• Rogue Space Systems Corporation

The Leonardo Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) is a module of the International Space Station (ISS). It’s used for storing supplies, spares, and waste. 

The Leonardo PMM was launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on February 24, 2011 and docked with the ISS on March 1, 2011. Before 2011, it was a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM). It was modified into its current configuration in 2010. 

The Leonardo PMM provides a significant increase in on-orbit pressurized storage accommodations. It’s a key part of a long term, integrated stowage solution for the ISS. 

The ISS orbits Earth at an average of 400 km (248 miles) above the surface traveling approximately 8 km per second (17,900 mph).

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