Title :
Next Generation Rover for Lunar Exploration
Author :
Harrison, Dan A. ; Ambrose, Robert ; Bluethmann, Bill ; Junkin, Lucien
Author_Institution :
NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Abstract :
As NASA refines its plans for the return of humans to the lunar surface, it becomes very clear that surface mobility will be critical to outpost buildup and exploration activities. NASA´s Exploration Technology Development Program is investing in a broad range of surface mobility projects. Within this range of projects falls a rover vehicle, capable of moving suited crew members and cargo. A prototype, known as Chariot has been developed. This prototype vehicle is a multipurpose, reconfigurable, modular lunar surface vehicle. And, with the right attachments and/or crew accommodations, Chariot will be capable of serving a large number of functions.
Keywords :
planetary rovers; space vehicles; Chariot; NASA; exploration activities; lunar exploration; lunar surface; modular lunar surface vehicle; next generation rover; rover vehicle; Batteries; Delay effects; Humans; Moon; NASA; Power system protection; Prototypes; Space technology; Vehicles; Wheels;
Conference_Titel :
Aerospace Conference, 2008 IEEE
Conference_Location :
Big Sky, MT
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-1487-1
Electronic_ISBN :
1095-323X
DOI :
10.1109/AERO.2008.4526234