Japan bipedal Robots to be on moon by 2020

Japan has said that it wants to send bipedal autonomous robots to the Moon by 2020.Japan is working on giving a much-needed impetus to its space development program. Japan’s Strategic Headquarters for Space Development said recently that they expect a two-legged droid traversing the satellite’s surface by 2020.

“We want to send on moon astre biped robot to carry out extensive observations of the soil and the environment in order to put in place then a human science. Subsequently, we want them to work jointly for men and robots,” said a document in a group governmental work.

On April 3, 2009, the working group of the Strategic Headquarters presented Japan’s space program, which includes the lunar biped robot plans, along with satellites that will be capable of detecting launch of ballistic missiles and monitor for natural disasters.

The working group has suggested the need for research into military satellites and using space research as a tool to foster diplomacy with other countries, an AP report said.

“We need to reflect the risks associated with human activities on the moon and the astronomical cost that represents this type of mission when it is supported by a single country,” said the working group.

The strategic group is working towards crafting Japan’s space strategy.

Japan’s Strategic Headquarters for Space Development will work out the salient details of the plan by 2011, which will outline the budget required and technologies needed to meet the aims set by the grop.

The Strategic Headquarters was established in 2008, by a law formed to boost Japan’s space program.

Japan, which used to be a leader in Space Technology, now finds itself nudged out by countries like China, who are aggressively working on their space technology and research programs.