| Title: | Feasibility study of a low altitutde flying lunar rover |
| Authors: | Sehaz Dayal, Author |
| Material Type: | ISU Individual Project |
| Publisher: | Illkirch-Graffenstaden (France) : International Space University, 2020 |
| Format: | 1 online resource (54 p.) / col. ill. |
| Bibliography note: | Includes bibliographical references |
| Languages: | English |
| Description: |
A low altitude flying lunar rover with rocket propulsion has many advantages over existing extraterrestrial surface mobility technologies. Current surface mobility solutions are limited to ground-based wheeled rovers, which in turn are limited in their capabilities such as speed, range and ability to traverse complex landscapes, all of which can be immensely improved with the use of a flying surface mobility vehicle. The idea behind the work presented in this paper, to conduct a feasibility study of a low altitude flying lunar rover, comes from the need to address the following: As the complexity of future space exploration missions increases, so does the need for surface mobility systems with greater efficiency and capabilities.
This paper presents a technology review of past, existing and future solutions for planetary surface mobility and identifies gaps as well as current limitations. A technological feasibility study of a low altitude flying lunar rover is conducted, using the findings from the literature review as input, in which three critical design concepts are explored: (i) flight trajectories, (ii) propulsion subsystem and propellant selection, and (iii) guidance, navigation and control subsystem. A comparison analysis is presented, taking into account factors related to exploration versatility and technological feasibility, with existing ground-based rover technology to show that the concept is worthwhile to pursue. The report is concluded by stating applicable missions and future recommendations needed to advance the concept further. Altogether, this report serves to demonstrate the viability and utility of a low altitude flying rover for future human and robotic lunar exploration missions. |
| ISU program : | Master of Space Studies |
| Format : | Online |
| Permalink: | https://isulibrary.isunet.edu/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=11599 |
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 Dayal, Sehaz_IP (2.08 MB) Adobe Acrobat PDF |
