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Lunar surface exploration using mobile robots

  • Vision Paper
  • Published:
Central European Journal of Engineering

Abstract

A lunar exploration architecture study is being carried out by space agencies. JAXA is carrying out research and development of a mobile robot (rover) to be deployed on the lunar surface for exploration and outpost construction. The main target areas for outpost construction and lunar exploration are mountainous zones. The moon’s surface is covered by regolith. Achieving a steady traversal of such irregular terrain constitutes the major technical problem for rovers. A newly developed lightweight crawler mechanism can effectively traverse such irregular terrain because of its low contact force with the ground.

This fact was determined on the basis of the mass and expected payload of the rover. This paper describes a plan for Japanese lunar surface exploration using mobile robots, and presents the results of testing and analysis needed in their development. This paper also gives an overview of the lunar exploration robot to be deployed in the SELENE follow-on mission, and the composition of its mobility, navigation, and control systems.

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References

  1. SELENE and the lunar farside, Science, 2009, Vol. 323

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lunar and Planetary Exploration Program Group, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Chofu-city, Japan

    Shin-Ichiro Nishida & Sachiko Wakabayashi

Authors
  1. Shin-Ichiro Nishida
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  2. Sachiko Wakabayashi
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Correspondence to Shin-Ichiro Nishida.

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Cite this article

Nishida, SI., Wakabayashi, S. Lunar surface exploration using mobile robots. cent.eur.j.eng 2, 156–163 (2012). https://doi.org/10.2478/s13531-011-0072-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/s13531-011-0072-z

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