Steam Deck controls a Mars rover: Valve's console found an unexpected use

Steam Deck is being used to test a prototype of the ExoMars rover, which is being developed for future missions to Mars.

The unusual use of Valve's console was demonstrated by popularizer Tom Scott, who visited Airbus factories in the UK. There, a prototype of the machine is being tested at a proving ground simulating the surface of the Red Planet.

The future rover must perform a significant part of its tasks autonomously, as real-time control is impossible due to the enormous distance between Earth and Mars. During development, engineers have to control the machine locally.

First, Scott showed controlling the prototype with a regular laptop, and then received a Steam Deck with special software. Control was primarily done using the console's built-in buttons and analog sticks. Details of the program are not disclosed.

This is not the first time Steam Deck has been used outside of gaming: previously, Valve's device was used to control droids in the Galaxy's Edge area at Disney parks. The ability to install custom software is provided by its open architecture and Linux.