Michigan Mars Rover Design Project

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Michigan Mars Rover Design Project
September 10, 2008
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Background

• Student research group founded in 2000
• Team Goals
• Design, build, and test prototypes of a
  pressurized rover for human missions to Mars
• Inspire and educate students about space and Mars
  exploration

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Team Composition

• Volunteer project
• All fields of study
• Various experience levels
• Undergraduate and graduate students

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Previous Projects

• Olympus
• Conceptual Design
• Subsystem research projects

• Everest
• Operational prototype
• Analog research

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Universal Chassis (UC)

• Three vehicle classes
• Interchangeable modules
• Multiple vehicleconfigurations

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University Rover Challenge

• Design, build, and operate a stand-alone,
  off-the-grid, mobile rover
• Earn points through completing a number of tasks
• scientific field work
• astronaut rescue
• equipment construction

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Our Strategy

• URC requires the rover to
• perform several radically different tasks
• limited time and monetary budget for
  reconfiguration
• Universal Chassis is effective!
• Essential subsystems installed directly in
  chassis
• Can keep configuration to bare minimum
• Reduce unnecessary redundancy

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2007-2008 Progress

• Electronics test bed
• Control systems
• Tracking mechanism
• Box frame fabrication
• Familiarize ourselves with machining techniques
• 2nd design iteration of frame

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Fall 2008 Projects

• Microprocessor programming
• Data / video link
• Mobility
• Module design
• Robotic arm
• Scientific instruments
• Frame modeling and fabrication

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What Would You Do?

• Model components using CAD and Adams software
• Machine and weld parts
• Devise suspension system
• Design and build a soil characterization test
  tool
• Program rover computer to handle control and
  communications
• Research / implementation of communication
  protocol
• Research / test rover components
• In hub motor, GPS, cameras, etc.

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Research Accomplishments

• Won 2nd place for Universal Chassis
  Concept at 2005 RASC-AL Forum

• Articles published in American Astronautical
  Society research journal

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Sponsors
Apollo Energy Systems Generac Power Systems,
Inc. RTI, Real-Time Innovations Alcoa Ronco
Plastics Contractors Steel Company Sheraton Palo
Alto 3Com Plascore Superior Oldsmobile Cadillac
GMC Trucks Lineo Trinco Dry-Blast Cobra
Electronics Corporation Walt Michaels RV Fudgie
Pastie UltraHeat Michigan Aerospace Ronco
Plastics Boeing
Premier Power Welder Pull Pal Thetford Acme
Mills Coy Laboratory Products, Inc Cantelon
Designs Anderson Paint Company Lowes Woodhouse
Company Brighton Electric General Motors Aker
Plastics StarTech Builders Plumbing
Supply Builders Carpet Supply Navy EOD
TechDiv National Automotive Center Mars Transport
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Joining the Team

• Mass meeting 9/12/2008 6PM- 1012 FXB
• Orientation 9/14/2008 4PM- 1024 FXB (tentative)
• Web site www.umrover.org