A Modular Approach to Future Robotic Lunar Missions
- Paper number
IAC-09.A3.1.9
- Author
Mr. Dexter Jagula, Canada
- Year
2009
- Abstract
Plans to return back to the Moon have already been set in-motion, with preliminary mission architectures already being designed with the aim of creating a lunar base. Proposed architectures differ slightly, but are consistent in regards to their initial phase – a robotic-only phase. The main objective of this initial phase will be to install and put in-place a preliminary infrastructure. The site for the infrastructure will first need to be selected, and once chosen, implementation can then begin. The main purpose of the infrastructure is the provision of power and communications capabilities. Both items are essential for lunar missions, especially once crewmembers arrive. Robots will be required to accomplish these tasks, which will prove to be very challenging given current philosophies of robotic space missions. A new paradigm in space robotics must be undertaken in order to ensure such complex tasks are accomplished reliably and efficiently. Modular robotics embraces this shift in paradigm by offering a unique and beneficial approach to future lunar missions. Robotic modularity thrives on reusability through reconfiguration, where standardized parts can be added or removed as needed. This ensures that deployed robotic systems are able to handle a variety of tasks, whether planned or otherwise. The aspect of reconfiguration can be handled in a number of ways, but one of the simplest and most practical ways is to incorporate a parent-child model. This involves having one robot (the parent) solely responsible for reconfiguring the other robot (the child). The child robot is primarily tasked with ensuring all mission objectives are met through the successful completion of the tasks set-out. One of the most striking advantages of implementing the modular approach is the limitless lifespan offered by a modular system contrary to robotic missions of the past.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)