MinMars/Surface Mobility

Repository of Working Models

NONE

Baseline Surface Mobility Capabilities

• Unpressurized
  • 2 independent unpressurized rovers on traverse, each can carry the entire crew back to base in contingency
  • Exploration radius is limited by contingency constraints and EVA time
  • Due to 2 independent vehicles on traverse drive-back constraint applies
  • This is different from the walk-back constraint for Apollo traverses which had only a single vehicle – the LRV
  • 20 – 25 km ideal exploration radius from base can be achieved for 6 – 8 hour excursion
• Pressurized
  • 2 independent pressurized vehicles on traverse, each can carry the entire crew back to base in contingency
  • Either the camper concept or a pressurized rover can be used (we think there are advantages to the camper concept)
  • Exploration radius is limited by consumables and energy storage mass rather than contingency constraints
  • For the analysis presented here we assumed 2 pressurized rovers with a total mass of 5700 kg (nominal 2 crew)

Baseline Surface Mobility Concept

Baseline Surface Exploration Capabilities

Baseline Surface Mobility Capabilities

Extension of Pressurized Mobility Radius

• Self-propelled trailer
  • 5700 kg trailer, 1000 kg chassis + drive train and 4700 kg energy storage mass
  • Trailer is self-propelled
    • Analysis shows parasitic drag results in higher mass than propelled trailer
  • Trailer is delivered to base as with logistics excess capability

Self Propelled Trailer Concept

• “Mars gas station”
  • Self-propelled chassis with energy storage and solar power generation is pre-positioned
  • Crew visits station with pressurized rovers and swaps energy storage (“pit stop”)
  • Can theoretically be extended indefinitely

Mars Gas Station

Extended Surface Exploration Capabilities