NASA researchers study Earth’s volcanoes to prepare for space exploration

The project will deploy the K-Rex rover (Credit: Lorenzo Fluckiger/NASA)

NASA researchers will study volcanoes and craters in Idaho and Canada to learn more about how other planets may have developed and to test methods for future space studies, according to a NASA press release.

The team from NASA Ames Research Center will study volcanic formation, magma chambers and craters to prepare for future exploration in similar landscapes in space.

Volcanoes and craters shape the landscapes of many planets. Researchers, engineers and astronauts will study the structures and their mineral makeup to better understand what they may find in space.

The study will take place in Idaho’s Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve and Canada’s West Clearwater Lake impact Structure using manned and robotic missions.

Image: The project will deploy the K-Rex rover (Credit: Lorenzo Fluckiger/NASA)