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Apollo 15 Lunar Roving
Vehicle. |
Future exploration missions to the moon are planned to last much
longer than those from the Apollo era. Astronauts will need to survive
in the moon’s harsh environment from six months to five years.
NASA’s Glenn Research Center is leading activities in support
of the Human Robotic Systems Project, which is sponsored by the
Exploration
Technology and Development Program Office, to improve
movement on the moon’s surface. Glenn is partnering with Johnson
Space Center and several other NASA centers on this project while
multiple university and industry partners are also contributing.
For future lunar missions to be successful, astronauts must be
able to work together to perform various tasks on the moon. They
need to conduct science experiments and explore the terrain in addition
to performing everyday maintenance tasks.
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Lunar Roving Vehicle wheel. |
The Human Robotic Systems Project consists of three parts:
- Surface Mobility System: technology development of vehicles/rovers
as well as supporting components including mechanisms, wheels,
tasks, suspension systems and chassis.
Glenn is developing a new
lunar wheel to enhance future exploration missions. The first phase
involves evaluating the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) wheel and developing
an analytical model by correlating data from the Apollo LRV wheel
as used on the moon and LRV wheel testing on Earth.
- Glenn is also developing an advanced drive system/gearbox
for the next generation of lunar vehicles. Glenn will use the
center’s
experience in gears for aeronautics and apply the technology
to space.
- Glenn will perform environmental testing to monitor how lunar
vehicles will interact with the soil on the moon.
- Surface Handling: develop systems that will load/unload,
distribute and deliver any lunar materials existing above the
surface.
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Scarab Polar Rover and
NORCAT Drill. |
- Human Systems Interaction: develop operational systems,
robotic interfaces, and astronaut-robot interfaces with the
goal of creating
vehicles/robots that control themselves, but are commanded
by humans.
Glenn is supporting the development of unpressurized
vehicles for early robotic missions. Glenn partnered
with Carnegie Mellon University to develop two vehicles,
Icebreaker and Scarab.
Icebreaker was built to travel on steep,
loose surfaces at an angle of 35º. Scarab
is a variable height vehicle used for polar crater activities
such as drilling into the regolith (soil) to search for
ice and volatiles. It will be able to maneuver in the
darkness since there is no light inside lunar craters.
Improved human robotic systems are needed to ensure the
success of future lunar missions. Glenn is playing a significant
role in their development by leading activities that will
improve the vehicles and robotic systems as well as enable
their interaction with humans on the moon.
Contact at NASA Glenn Research Center
Chief, Advanced Capabilities
Project Office: Ann P. Over
Space Flight Systems Directorate
/ Advanced Flight Projects Office
216-433-6535
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