Astrobotic Technology’s mission for Google Lunar X Prize and Apollo 11 site
- Paper number
IAC-09.A3.2INT.26
- Author
Mr. David Gump, Astrobotic Technology Inc., United States
- Coauthor
Mr. John Kohut, Astrobotic Technology Inc., United States
- Year
2009
- Abstract
Astrobotic Technology Inc. is developing a series of commercial robotic missions to the Moon, starting with a rover intended to win the Google Lunar X Prize via a revisit of the Apollo 11 site. Technical challenges include achieving low mass for the robot (60 kg) while still being able to broadcast high-definition video, as well as continuous operation despite daunting thermal conditions during lunar noon. Two prototype robots have been designed, built and tested and a third prototype is in design in cooperation with Carnegie Mellon University. Mass savings are achieved through innovative drive mechanisms and wheel designs. Thermal control is attained via custom composite materials able to transfer heat more efficiently than metal alternatives. The initial mission will document the effect on Apollo 11 materials of four decades of exposure to the lunar environment, and it will provide the first precise measure of micrometeorite impact rates by comparing surface imagery from Apollo with the current micro-crater pattern. Bootprints with that have accumulated micro-craters also will provide time-stamped records of impact histories. The mission has approximately 7 kg of payload capability, some of which is available to researchers or engineers with questions that could be answered by this expedition. Subsequent missions will land at potential sites for permanent outposts to conduct site surveys, site preparation, resource prospecting and initial resource utilization experiments.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-09.A3.2INT.26.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.