Session
Technical Session VII: Student Scholarship Competition
Abstract
Martian spacecraft have played a vital part in educating scientists about the Mars environment. Specifically, they have allowed us to believe that there are traces of water present on certain parts of the planet. One major scientific objective goal, based on this discovery, is to further explore these potential water sources. One way to achieve this goal is to send a long-distance Martian rover to Mars so that it can inspect these water sites. Although rovers have had successful missions on Mars, the idea of a long-distance rover involves re-designing many aspects of the past rovers. This paper explores the Martian environment and success of previous rovers to conclude that the Martian rover needs to be improved in the following areas: power source, landing technique, landing accuracy, dust accumulation defense, durability, communication system, and navigation system. In addition, different design solutions are proposed that will aid in the designing of the long-distance rover.
Design of a Long-Distance Martian Rover
Martian spacecraft have played a vital part in educating scientists about the Mars environment. Specifically, they have allowed us to believe that there are traces of water present on certain parts of the planet. One major scientific objective goal, based on this discovery, is to further explore these potential water sources. One way to achieve this goal is to send a long-distance Martian rover to Mars so that it can inspect these water sites. Although rovers have had successful missions on Mars, the idea of a long-distance rover involves re-designing many aspects of the past rovers. This paper explores the Martian environment and success of previous rovers to conclude that the Martian rover needs to be improved in the following areas: power source, landing technique, landing accuracy, dust accumulation defense, durability, communication system, and navigation system. In addition, different design solutions are proposed that will aid in the designing of the long-distance rover.
