Final Project

Richard A.

Legislator:  David Farabee, Representative

Description

The Mars Explorer 2.10 is a type of rover that can adapt to the conditions on Martian surface. The explorer will be able to hover or ‘bounce’ along the surface. This will help the craft move over obstacles such as rocks and craters. The craft will have no wheels, or any other extensions that could slowdown or cause failure to the craft. The internal computer and components will have to be well mounted so they can resist the impact of the bouncing. This can be done by suspension systems. Because there are no wheels and an advanced suspension system, the craft can literally be dropped without damage.

The rover will be able to be controlled by a remote station. The craft will have three 360 degree cameras. There will also be data collectors that are onboard and can retract into the rover, if there are severe conditions on the planet. The rover will have a suspend mode. This is where the rover will have a low profile and can remain unharmed during a windstorm. When the weather receptors detect the storm is over, the rover can resume its mission.

The rover will have two onboard storage components that can store samples from the Martian surface.

 Use

The rover can be used to collect samples from the Martian environment. It can collect atmospheric data and transmit the data to a remote location in real-time. The rover will transfer information using (RF) modems that can transfer up to rates of 90,000GHz and have an integrated 80,000 dBi omnidirectional antenna.

The rover also could be modified to carry and assemble materials, during the construction of a colony on Mars. 

Model 

The model I constructed uses a 1/20 hp General Electric motor. The motor is mounted on a metal frame. There are three belts to reduce the speed of the motor. There is a shaft that connects to the last belt and pulley. This creates a jumping action when the motor is turned on. The top has two led indicators, one for signal transmission and the other to indicate when all systems are ready.

I redesigned the meatball logo for the Mars mission. There is a red area in the center to give the illusion of the Martian surface. 

Last Updated: 09/07/01