Red Rover is equipped with two stereo cameras that extract 3D structure and create maps of the moon. The rover uses these maps to plan a safe path around obstacles, such as rocks or craters. The locations of these obstacles are detected by measuring the disparity between the obstacle’s position in the left and right stereo images. Human eyes detect the position of objects and perceive depth in much the same way. If only one camera were used for navigation, precise positions of obstacles relative to the rover would be very difficult to determine.
Additionally, scientists and the public alike can move through these 3D maps to experience what it would be like to walk on the moon. Soon all of mankind can take that “one small step” and walk in Neil Armstrong’s footprints.
