Scientists in South Korea are developing an innovative rover wheel inspired by origami that could help future missions explore some of the Moon’s most difficult terrain. The flexible design can fold into a compact shape for transport and expand once deployed, potentially allowing a rover to navigate rocky lunar pits and underground lava tubes.
The technology has been developed by researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), working with the Unmanned Exploration Laboratory.
How the Origami Inspired Wheels Work
Unlike conventional rigid wheels, the new design uses flexible metal strips arranged in an interlocking structure inspired by origami and Leonardo da Vinci’s self-supporting bridge concept.
The wheel can shrink to approximately 230 millimetres in diameter for storage and expand to around 500 millimetres when deployed. This allows a rover to be packed into a smaller space during launch while gaining a larger wheel for movement on the Moon.
Why the Moon Needs Different Wheels
Lunar terrain presents several challenges for robotic explorers, including loose soil, sharp rocks, steep slopes and extreme temperature changes. Traditional wheel designs may struggle when a rover encounters deep pits or uneven surfaces.
The new wheel is airless, eliminating the need for pressurised tyres. Its flexible structure is designed to absorb impacts and adapt to obstacles, potentially improving mobility in difficult environments.
Exploring Lunar Lava Tubes
One of the design’s most promising applications is the exploration of lunar lava tubes. These underground tunnels formed by ancient volcanic activity could preserve valuable evidence about the Moon’s geological history.
Scientists are also interested in these formations because their interiors may provide protection from radiation, micrometeorites and severe temperature variations. That makes them potential sites for future robotic exploration and, eventually, human research.
Testing the Technology on Earth
Researchers have tested the rover technology in challenging environments, including caves and lava-tube-like terrain on South Korea’s Jeju Island. Tests using simulated lunar soil have also helped assess how the wheel performs on loose ground and slopes.
However, the technology remains a prototype. Its ability to operate reliably during an actual lunar mission will need to be demonstrated under real space conditions.
A Potential Step Towards South Korea’s Lunar Goals
South Korea is working towards future lunar exploration missions, with a lander mission planned for around 2030. Researchers hope the adaptable wheel design could eventually support a rover capable of reaching areas that conventional vehicles find difficult to access.
If further testing proves successful, the technology could offer a new way to explore the Moon’s underground landscapes and expand the scientific reach of future missions.