Robot that jumps like a grasshopper could play a key role in future space exploration.

It also takes around 2 years (or more) and more than $25k per pound to reach another planet, somehow I don't think several minutes to hop out of a rut really matters much when the costs and time to get there are so high.

was that a whole foot it jumped?

Are you forgetting that the force needed to move 1 foot upward on Earth equates to around 6 feet on the moon?

No I didn't forget, it just seemed underwhelming is all. Keep me updated if it makes it to the moon.

it's just enough to get over spots that robots that can only roll on the ground can't get past.

Nice idea. I like how you use stored energy to accomplish what would be practically impossible with the small amount of continuos power of most spacecraft. Maybe some of these ideas will be used in the "swarms" that they keep promissing.

nice idea. i believe in potential.

i can see why you feel that this model can be useful to space exploration in the future... but maybe you can make it LIKe a grasshopper no? instead of that circle thing around it so that way let's say someone's sitting in it, they wouldn't be going outta control and would be sittin/standin in that upright position?

I think the beauty of it is in its simplicity. Fewer parts to break when it slams down on another planet. It is for remote exploration, I doubt anyone will ever build one to ride in.

I'm not sure if there's a use for this thing. It looks kinda clumsy. When you make something for space exploration it has to be able to manuever over terrain. This thing is just a ball and what do balls do ? (insert ball joke). Seriously, it didn't have much control.