Recently, my country’s first space mining robot was born at China University of Mining and Technology. The basic form of a space mining robot is a hexapod mode, with three wheeled feet and three clawed feet.
China’s first space mining robot has been developed by the China University of Mining and Technology recently. The space mining robot adopts a six-legged design, featuring three wheels and three claw legs, which allows it to function efficiently in microgravity conditions.
A running space mining robot. (Photo source: China Central Radio and Television Station)
【Knowledge Points】
In recent years, humans have gradually turned to space, especially the moon, Mars, near-Earth asteroids, etc., which contain rich mineral resources. Space mining, a scene that has appeared in science fiction novels and movies in the past, is gradually moving towards reality. In March 2025, China University of Mining and Technology developed the first space mining robot in China. Unlike the popular humanoid robots and robot dogs, the basic form of space mining robots is a hexapod mode, which simulates the claw-sting structure of insects, with three wheeled feet and three claw-shocks. In the microgravity environment of space, it has stronger adhesion and grip. It can not only fix the sampling, but also move according to the terrain. This space mining robot uses a bionic hexapod moving structure. The end of the robot foot is equipped with wheels and anchor structures, which can walk on the bumpy ground of the asteroid. Through the coordinated work of the hexapod differential system suspension, clutch, etc., space mining robots can adjust their own structural shape according to the working environment to adapt to the complex surface environment of extraterrestrial bodies.
Since the late 1950s, more than 80 lunar probes and manned spacecraft have successfully landed on the moon and carried out exploration missions in the world, and have accumulated rich information on lunar exploration. At present, China, the United States, Russia and other countries have formulated manned moon landing plans, and lunar resources are very likely to become the first space resource developed and utilized by mankind. In addition, the numerous asteroids in the solar system also contain rich mineral resources. Among them, near-Earth asteroids orbits are close to the earth, and are also relatively convenient to develop and utilize. At present, more than 1,500 near-Earth asteroids have very high mining value and adventibility.
【Important Speech】
We must carry forward the spirit of lunar exploration, give full play to the advantages of the new national system, bravely climb the peak of science and technology, serve the overall national development, start a new journey of interstellar exploration step by step, continuously promote the innovative development of China’s aerospace industry, and make new and greater contributions to the peaceful use of space by mankind.
We should promote the lunar exploration spirit and give full play to the advantages of the new system of pooling national resources and strengths to ascend the peak of science and technology and serve the country’s overall development. It is important to embark on a new interplanetary exploration journey step by step, promote the innovative development of China’s space exploration cause, and make greater contributions to humanity’s peaceful use of space.
——On February 22, 2021, Xi Jinping’s important speech when meeting with representatives of the Chang’e-5 mission of the lunar exploration project and visiting the exhibition of lunar samples and lunar exploration project results
【Related Words】
Space Science
space science
Manned lunar exploration
manned lunar exploration
China Daily Network English Dots and Tianjin Studio (this article was first published on the “Study Strong Country” learning platform)
(Reprinting is not allowed without authorization)
[Editor in charge: Chen Danni]
