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  • LUnar Volatiles Mobile Instrumentation (LUVMI) Project's Results

    Paper number

    IAC-19,A3,2C,6,x49835

    Author

    Dr. Jeremi Gancet, Belgium, Space Applications Services

    Coauthor

    Mr. Diego A. Urbina, Belgium, Space Applications Services

    Coauthor

    Mr. Karsten Kullack, The Netherlands, Space Applications Services N.V./S.A

    Coauthor

    Mr. Guillaume Fau, Belgium, Space Applications Services nv/sa

    Coauthor

    Mr. Thibaud Chupin, Belgium, Space Applications Services N.V./S.A

    Coauthor

    Mr. Daniel Fodorcan, Belgium, Space Applications Services N.V./S.A

    Coauthor

    Mr. Hemanth Kumar Madakashira, Belgium, Space Applications Services N.V./S.A

    Coauthor

    Dr. Philipp Reiss, Germany, Technical University of Munich

    Coauthor

    Ms. Janos Biswas, Germany, Technische Universität München

    Coauthor

    Dr. Simon Sheridan, United Kingdom, Open University

    Coauthor

    Mr. Craig Pitcher, United Kingdom

    Coauthor

    Dr. Simeon Barber, United Kingdom, Open University

    Coauthor

    Dr. Neil Murray, United Kingdom, Dynamic Imaging Analytics

    Coauthor

    Mr. Anthony Evagora, United Kingdom, Dynamic Imaging Analytics

    Coauthor

    Dr. Lutz Richter, Germany, OHB System AG - Munich

    Coauthor

    Mr. Mattia Reganaz, Germany, OHB System AG

    Coauthor

    Mr. Shashank Govindaraj, Belgium, Space Applications Services N.V./S.A

    Coauthor

    Mr. Richard Aked, Belgium, Space Applications Services N.V./S.A

    Coauthor

    Mr. Joseph Salini, Belgium, Space Applications Services N.V./S.A.

    Year

    2019

    Abstract
    The International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG) identifies one of the first exploration steps as in situ investigations of the Moon or asteroids. Europe is developing payload concepts for drilling and sample analysis, a contribution to a 250kg rover as well as for sample return. To achieve these missions, ESA depends on international partnerships. Such missions will be seldom, expensive and the drill/sample site selected will be based on observations from orbit not calibrated with ground truth data.
    
    By making use of an innovative, low mass, mobile robotic payload following the LEAG recommendations, many of the international science community’s objectives can be met at lower cost.
    
    As a main objective LUVMI (European Commission Horizon 2020 co-funded project) is designed specifically for operations at the South Pole of the Moon with a payload accommodated by a novel lightweight mobile platform (rover) with a range of several kilometers.
    
    Over the 2 past years, the key LUVMI scientific instruments (volatiles analyzer and volatiles sampler) were successfully developed and validated (up to TRL 5-6). In addition a ground prototype of the LUVMI rover was developed and tested in a series of outdoor trials, in rocky and sandy environments. This rover, with a target mass of ~40kg for a flight version, features an adjustable height chassis to adapt to terrain roughness and allowing to bring instruments very closely and precisely to the surface. The locomotion capabilities of the LUVMI rover could be fully tested as part of the project.  Novel light field camera perception system was additionally implemented for the rover.
    
    This paper reports on project results and lessons learnt, and gives indications of how LUVMI may be further matured to target potential mission slots in the mid-2020s, as part of ESA mission and/or supported by private funding.
    Abstract document

    IAC-19,A3,2C,6,x49835.brief.pdf

    Manuscript document

    IAC-19,A3,2C,6,x49835.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

    To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.