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nasa Wall-E, Optimus Prime, R2-D2... pop culture is full of helpful robots. When it comes to real-life space exploration, humans and robots make a great team, too.

Robots help us do tasks in space that are too dangerous or challenging for humans. We're working on a new generation of robotic spacecraft that can work together without being controlled by astronauts or teams on Earth.

A troop of shoebox-sized rovers will soon scout the Moon on their own. Targeted to launch in 2024, CADRE-short for NASA's Cooperative Autonomous Distributed Robotic Exploration project-will work together to explore the lunar surface, collect data, and map different areas of the Moon in 3D. The technology may one day be used on Mars or other deep space destinations.