Lunar Electric Rover docking with Cabin A for a simulated rescue
mission. This simulated mission was part of the 2009 Desert RATS
- or Research and Technology Studies, held at Black Point Lava
Flow in Arizona. Image Credit: NASA + View hi-res image + View
lo-res image Each year, the Desert "RATS," or Research and
Technology Studies field test offers a chance for a NASA-led
team of engineers, astronauts and scientists from across the
country to come together to conduct technology development
research in the Arizona desert. The location offers a good
stand-in for destinations for future planetary exploration
missions. From August 26-Sept. 13, 2009, NASA held its 12th year
of Desert RATS field test in the Arizona desert at Black Point
Lava Flow. Desert RATS helps determine what technologies and
capabilities will be needed when NASA takes future trips beyond
Earth. The tests included a simulated 14-day mission during
which two crew members -- an astronaut and a geologist -- lived
inside NASA's prototype Lunar Ele