The Hedgehog project , which is being jointly developed by researchers at NASA 's Jet Propulsion Laboratory ( JPL ) , Stanford University and MIT , will hop and bounce in space , rather than roll , like conventional space rovers . Researchers have developed the prototypes of a ' ' that will explore small bodies, such as an asteroid or a comet, by hopping and tumbling on the surface instead of rolling on wheels. Two Hedgehog prototypes were tested in June of this year , aboard NASA 's Orion aircraft for scientific research . The researchers are reportedly working on improving their autonomy so that they can perform tasks more independently . The project is also low in cost , relative to conventional space rovers , meaning multiple robots could be taken to space on one flight to improve research .
The Hedgehog project , which is being jointly developed by researchers at NASA 's Jet Propulsion Laboratory ( JPL ) , Stanford University and MIT , will hop and bounce in space , rather than roll , like conventional space rovers . Two Hedgehog prototypes were tested in June of this year , aboard NASA 's Orion aircraft for scientific research . The researchers are reportedly working on improving their autonomy so that they can perform tasks more independently . The project is also low in cost , relative to conventional space rovers , meaning multiple robots could be taken to space on one flight to improve research .