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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
Acting Chief, Advanced
Capabilities Project Office: John
K. Lytle
Space Flight Systems Directorate
/ Advanced Flight Projects Office
216-433-3213
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