File:D-RATS (2006).jpg

English: JSC2006-E-39969 - NASA's Desert Research and Technology Studies (RATS), a team of scientists and engineers who test futuristic equipment that may one day be used for explorations of the moon and Mars, is in the Arizona desert. In one scenario, the crew (see test subject on platform) will return to a mock way station, called a Pressurized Rover Compartment (PRC), which has been delivered to the site by Athlete, an All-Terrain Hex-Legged Extra-Terrestrial Explorer vehicle capable of "walking" over extremely rough or steep terrain. Once the crew dismounts the rover and enters the way station, a half humanoid, half vehicle robot known as Centaur will unload the day's sample collection and equipment. Another robot (K-10) will then "visually" inspect the rover. The robotic maneuvers will be controlled through a satellite link to NASA's Exploration Planning and Operations Center at JSC.