Intro music.
The Desert Research and Technology Studies or RATS team is giving NASA's newly developed spacesuits, chariot and communication devices
a rough and tumble tryout in the dust and dirt of the Arizona desert.
Flagstaff's high desert is the perfect place to simulate the terrain on Moon or Mars for the testing of this new equipment.
Crews wearing prototype-advanced spacesuits with new helmet-mounted speakers and microphones began their two week trial in the field in September.
Other equipment being tested is an electric tractor guided by spacesuit-mounted controls and an autonomous robotic support vehicle named "Matilda."
The result of the testing of the new gear and robotic equipment is important in helping
America pursue the Vision for Space Exploration to return to the Moon and beyond.