Mobile Analytic Laboratory Probe

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A MALP enters a stargate

A Mobile Analytic Laboratory Probe, or MALP, is a device in the fictional Stargate universe, though based on the real concept of an Unmanned Ground Vehicle.

The SG personnel use the MALP's collection of electronic equipment to analyse unexplored planets, determine if the environment is safe and identify points of interest prior to assigning an SG team to investigate. A high-resolution tiltable colour video camera, laser range finder, spectrometer and a small directional microphone are used for surveying. Other sensors detect air pressure/temperature, atmospheric composition and even if the MALP is on its side . Dangerous radiation is also a potential threat to SG teams so MALPs have a Geiger counter. If a planet is suspected of being occupied by an advanced civilisation, the receiver dish can be tuned to detect a variety of terrestrial transmissions. Should a mission call for it, other types of optional sensors or equipment can easily and quickly be fitted to suit the particular needs of the SG team or mission.

Infrared scanning was likely installed after "The Broca Divide" when the MALP's lights were broken in transit. When issued thermal night-vision goggles, Colonel O'Neill asked "Hey, here's a question. Why doesn't the MALP have a set of these?" They are used in low/no light or "zero lux" situations, such as reconnoitering the Goa'uld structure in "Within the Serpent's Grasp" and the Lost City in Stargate Atlantis' pilot "Rising".

The standard MALP is based on a sturdy six-wheeled chassis, similar to its eight-wheeled counterpart, FRED (Field Remote Expeditionary Device). It is water resistant and all exposed surfaces are covered with anodising or protective paint. All electronics and detector compartments are shielded against water and contaminants. The MALP can adequately perform in many different types of weather and planetary conditions. Operational temperature range is from -20 to +45ºC. Environmental humidity can be up to 95% at 25ºC. Four 48-volt electric motors controlled by high-quality servo drivers provide torque to the drive wheels and are powered by four gel-type 48-volt battery packs, which can be replaced if necessary. ^{[[Citing sources citation needed]]}

MALPs are operated from Stargate Command's (SGC) Control Room by remote or on-site at a planet. From the SGC, communication is achieved via two-way digital transmissions sent through the Stargate's wormhole. Technicians can operate the MALP's robot arm by remote. The robot arm provides servo-precision motion and allows the operator to approach a target with millimeter accuracy. Due to the nature of a Stargate's one-way wormhole, an unattended MALP cannot return to Earth using the same wormhole it came through. MALPs are also capable of performing some tasks on their own, such as automatically surveying the area immediatly around the stargate, and collecting samples. Once a MALP has finished its duties, an SG team member or technician dials the gate on the other side and sends it back. As a result, MALPs sent to planets which are too hostile are abandoned.

The prototype was developed at MIT, though it's since been mass-produced, since they have a high loss rate, due primarily to being sent to hostile planets. ^{[[Citing sources citation needed]]}

The SGC also uses Unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs), also called drones, to check much larger area's of alien worlds. A UAV or reconnaissance drone can run search patterns, drop supplies and paint laser targets for the SGC's missile launching capabilities; some UAV's have small missiles mounted to them as shown in the episode Death Knell.

Trivia

• It's usually pronounced malp (rhymes with scalp), though General Hammond spelled it out in "The Broca Divide".
• A MALP somehow flew in "Entity" with the assistance of an alien artificial intelligence.
• MALPs were first seen in the Stargate feature film. JPL loaned the production its "Hazbot III" for this purpose.

References