| Introduction
Background
Martian
Terrain
Lunar
Rover
Vehicle
Size
and Composition
Suspension
Wheels
Steering/Brakes
Power
Modular
Trailer System
Communication
and Navigation
Safety
Measures
|
Communication
and Navigation
The vehicle
will carry a communications system capable of reaching the habitat from
anywhere within its range by means of an X-band transceiver. An onboard
navigation system will make use of any positioning satellite available.
The navigation system will be also augmented through computer-assisted
counting of wheel revolutions and monitoring of azimuthal steering changes.
The navigation computer will be voice-activated and voice-controlled with
a manual keyboard for backup. Continuous documentation also will be provided
through a set of cameras mounted on the vehicle. These can be pointed manually
by the astronauts. This video feed will join the voices of the astronauts
in providing scientists back on Earth with a delayed but comprehensive
picture of the activities on the surface. The voice/video combination will
also be available in real time in the habitat so that the astronauts can
be monitored for safety purposes. |
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Copyright
© 2000 Massachusetts Institute of Technology