digg_url = 'http://digg.com/space/NASA_S_A_T_H_L_E_T_E';
The Winnebago isnt exactly a marvel of technology. But theres a good chance that NASAs next generation of lunar travelers will live and work out of a two-piece system—a mobile robot and habitat combination that will allow astronauts to bring base camp with them—that has plenty in common with the humble RV.

Most depictions of potential moon bases include habitats and rovers, but NASA’s “Habot,” a mobile base and science lab, combines the two. A lunar-exploration concept vehicle conceived in 2001, Habot has received renewed attention since President Bush issued his mandate that NASA return to the moon by 2015. As many as six Habots would travel together, drawing energy from the sun or receiving beamed microwave or laser power from an orbiting satellite.