Airbus is utilizing the Valve Steam Deck handheld PC to control prototypes of the ExoMars rover during ground testing. The device is currently being used at the company's facilities in Stevenage, UK, to navigate the rover through simulated Martian environments.
The Steam Deck runs custom, proprietary software to interface with the rover. Engineers operate the vehicle using the handheld's integrated joysticks, triggers, and buttons. Airbus opted for the Steam Deck because it functions as a full PC running Linux, offering connectivity options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth that standard game controllers lack.
The rover, officially named Rosalind Franklin, is being developed by Airbus Defence and Space. The team is currently designing mechanical, thermal, and propulsion systems for the landing platform. The mission aims to land the rover on Mars by 2030.
Managing Director of Airbus Defence and Space UK, Kata Escott, noted that the project represents the culmination of over 20 years of work. While the Steam Deck is strictly for ground-based development, it has become a functional tool in the testing phase of the mission.
