Astrobotic Red Rover - Lander Egress

Egress is mission-critical because even journeys of a thousand miles begin with a first step. The first step for a rover is always getting off the lander. For missteps, there is usually no going back. Gravity facilitates egress, because egress steps off and down. Terrain can confound egress, since a lander can be tilted by slope or rocks.

How does this rover always egress downward? By steering on its lander to reach a good slope and step before rolling onto the moon. The tests are done in earth gravity with a skeletal rover. Earth-test with a light rover simulates moon gravity with a full-mass rover.

Category:

Science & Technology

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• Google
• XPrize
• Carnegie
• Mellon
• Astrobotic
• Robot
• Lunar
• Red
• Rover
• Raytheon
• Arizona
• Pittsburgh
• Atomatic
• Tranquility
• Trek