CubeRover
CubeRover is a class of planetary rovers with a standardized format meant to accelerate the pace of space exploration. The idea is equivalent to that of the successful CubeSat format, with a standardized architecture to assemble new units that will be all compatible, modular, and inexpensive.[1]
The rover class concept is being developed by Astrobotic Technology in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University, and it is partly funded by NASA awards.[1] The Principal Investigator of the program is Andrew Horchler. The first CubeRover is planned to be deployed on the Moon in 2020 on board Astrobotic's Peregrine lander.
Overview
Concept
The idea is to create a practical modular concept similar that used for CubeSats and apply it to rovers, effectively creating a new standardized architecture of small modular planetary rovers with compatible parts, systems, and even instruments so that each mission can be easily tailored to its objectives.[1][2][3]
The CubeRover program intends that standardizing small rover design with a common architecture will open access to planetary bodies for companies, governments, and universities around the world at a low cost, while increasing functionality, just as the CubeSat has in Earth orbit.[2] This would motivate other members of the space exploration community to develop new systems and instruments that are all compatible with the CubeRover's architecture.[1][2]
Development
In May 2017 Astrobotic Technology, in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University, were selected by NASA's Small Business Innovation Research (SIBR) to receive a $125,000 award[4] to develop a small lunar rover architecture capable of performing small-scale science and exploration on the Moon and other planetary surfaces. During Phase I, the team built a 2-kg rover and performed engineering studies to determine the architecture of a novel chassis, power, computing systems, software and navigation techniques.
In March 2018, the team was awarded funds to move on to Phase II,[1][2] and under this agreement, Astrobotic will produce a flight-ready rover with a mass of approximately 2 kg (4.4 lb) that will fly on Astrobotic's Peregrine lunar lander to the Moon in 2020.[1][2]
In future missions, CubeRovers may be designed to take advantage of lander-based systems to shelter for the cold lunar night, that lasts for 14 Earth days.[2] Similarly, future larger CubeRovers may be able to incorporate thermal insulation and systems qualified for ultra-low temperatures.[2]
A spinoff company was created in 2018, called CubeRover, and it is based in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.[5] Its President is Mike Provenzano. The company has support from Luxemburg and it is expected to collaborate with local universities and companies.[6][7] It is hoped that it will become a hub for small planetary rover design, manufacture, and assembly, as well as a shop.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Astrobotic wins NASA award to produce small lunar rover. Lloyd Campbell, Spaceflight Insider. 18 March 2018.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 This Tiny Private CubeRover Could Reach the Moon by 2020. Leonard David, Space.com. 16 March 2018.
- ↑ Astrobotic to develop CubeRover standard for planetary surface mobility. Kevin Jost, Autonomous Vehicle Technology. 8 May 2018.
- ↑ Cuberover for Lunar Resource Site Evaluation. SBIR, US Government. Accessed on 8 December 2018.
- ↑ Astrobotic spins out CubeRover, opens offices in Luxembourg. Joe Latrell, Spaceflight Insider. 2 October 2018.
- ↑ Three American space startups to establish offices in Luxembourg. Jeff Foust, SpaceNews. 29 September 2018.
- ↑ CubeRover to develop low-cost, revolutionary rover in Luxembourg. Kerry Hebden, Asgardia. 8 October 2018.
External links
- CubeRover official web site
- Astrobotic to Develop CubeRover Standard for Planetary Surface Mobility. Astrobotic Technology. Press release on 4 May 2017.
- CubeRover to Develop Next Generation Planetary Rovers in Luxembourg. Astrobotic Technology, press release on 27 September 2018.
