A new study introduces an innovative, soft deployable airless wheel designed to facilitate exploration of the Moon’s lava tubes. Published in the December 2025 issue of Science Robotics, this work brings forward a novel approach to space travel and technology.

In a groundbreaking launch, SpaceX has sent Japanese and U.S. lunar landers on separate missions to the Moon, marking a significant advancement in the race to commercialize Earth’s lunar neighbor. The missions by ispace and Firefly Aerospace aim to establish a business presence on the Moon and pave the way for future exploration.