Space Zoo Patrol – Lunar Rovers – Robotic

by   Astrolab

1.  What is the name of this technology? 

Astrolab’s first fleet of rovers are being built on the Flexible Logistics & Exploration technology, or FLEX for short.

2. What is goal / what does it do?

For humanity to truly live and operate in a sustainable way off Earth, there needs to exist an efficient and economical transportation network all the way from the launch pad to the ultimate outpost. Astrolab FLEX rovers address this challenge as they are highly adaptive, multi-use vehicles designed for crew transport, last-mile cargo delivery, scientific exploration, and data services all in one platform.

3. How does it work?

FLEX is the most versatile rover ever developed and is setting the standard for lunar and interplanetary logistics through its unique platform.

FLEX features:

• • • Three modular, quick-disconnect payload interfaces
    • Capacity for various payload sizes from 25kg standard 12U CubeSat form factor up to 1,500kg and three cubic meters in volume. E.g., in both payload mass and volume capability, FLEX has approximately twice the capacity of an F-150 pickup truck
    • Unique wheel-on-limb mobility system, which enables raising and lowering the chassis relative to the ground. This is another key differentiator that enables FLEX to pick up and put down cargo robotically via grappling hooks, which offers maximum flexibility to customers for delivery of cargo
    • Adaptive suspension that provides tremendous mobility performance in rough terrain and maintains a level chassis while traversing slopes.
    • FLEX Rover features a six-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) robotic arm with payload capability exceeding 25kg (250N) within a 2m radius workspace. The robotic arm also includes a modular end effector with interfaces designed for a wide variety of use cases. FLEX Rover uses its arm to deploy multiple smaller payloads, especially those that require precise placement or additional interaction in the form of mechanical or electrical power.

4. How is it better than the older technology?

Historically, planetary rovers have been bespoke and put into operation roughly once per decade. Custom-designed around a particular payload, traditional planetary rovers can cost billions of dollars to develop and qualify. FLEX presents an adaptable and modular platform that allows for a wide variety of missions and also features system redundancies that offer robust dust mitigation, and lunar night survival to enable up to a 6-year service lifetime. This capability to survive multiple lunar nights is a key differentiator of FLEX and enables extended missions like prospecting, which requires extended operations.

5. What classes should I take in school to work on this?

Our team at Astrolab is comprised of incredibly talented people who work across a wide array of scientific disciplines. Some classes that you can take in school to work on projects that relate to the technology behind the FLEX rover include science and math classes like mechanics, physics, statistics, calculus, and geometry for example.

6. Pictures

7. Links

Astrolab – https://www.astrolab.space/flex-rover