Lunar Escape Astronaut Rescue and Recovery Rover Members: Mohammad Alzohay, Dan Janke, Kyle Kilgore, Samad Qureshi, Nicholas Wade-Mayhue Lunar Escape 1
Little Astronaut, Big Planet Lunar Escape 2
Moon Background NASA is currently planning on revisiting the moon in 2020 A proposed lunar outpost for extended astronaut stays Lunar Electric Rover for moon surface missions Extended stays mean increased risks Lunar Escape 3
Accidents Happen Lunar Escape 4
Crater Danger Lunar Escape 5
Possible Dangers Lunar Electric Rover (LER) malfunction, or breakdown Astronaut injury Reduced bone mass Sudden and severe medical problems Emergencies due to radiation flare-ups on the moon s surface Astronaut trapped or injured in moon crater Lunar Escape 6
Background of Astronaut Recovery Currently, the only rescue/recovery system in place by NASA is for launch dangers No system of outer space recovery, particularly lunar recovery, currently exists Only 80 hours of moon experience to date, extended time means extended risk A recovery system is needed to ensure astronauts are as safe as possible! Lunar Escape 7
Solution. Sensory Moon Astronaut Recovery and Transport (SMART) Rover Lunar Escape 8
Rover Concepts Automatic engagement of SMART Rover retrieval system via panic button on astronaut s suit SMART rover attachment behind LER Follows regolith-embedded sensors to astronaut s location Fully customizable life support system located on SMART rover Winch/stretcher design for crater retrieval Lunar Escape 9
SMART Rover The SMART rover is physically attached to the existing Lunar Electric Rover (LER) or can be docked at the nearest Lunar Outpost. Lunar Escape 10
Lunar Electric Rover (LER) Lunar Escape 11
SMART Rover Lunar Escape 12
Panic Button The system is activated by a remote "panic button" built in to each space suit. Located on the display and control module Power is provided from the Primary Life Support System (PLSS) [1] Connected to the Communications Carrier Assembly (CCA) [2] Upon pushing the button, the SMART rover is engaged Unlock/Locking mechanism to protect against accidental button push Lunar Escape 13
SMART Sensors SMART rover follows sensors placed in the regolith by astronauts Sensors have short lifespans and can be left after astronaut recovery Powered by small DC sources Lunar Escape 14
Sensor Placement Lightweight sensors placed 30m apart Lunar Escape 15
Rover Robotic and manual steering capable Powered by 125W-hr/kg lithium ion batteries Individual DC series wound 1hp@10000rpm motor for each wheel Made of lightweight aluminum alloy Woven zinc coated steel strand tires Towed behind LER and detached robotically with panic button triggering Lunar Escape 16
SMART Rover Driving Mechanism Simple steering/driving mechanism with digital systems display Rover allows automatic or manual driving Lunar Escape 17
LER Hookup Connected to Lunar Electric Rover (LER) via LER Hookup Link Automatic detachment from rear of LER Lunar Escape 18
Winch/Sled Winch and sled mechanism for easy astronaut loading Rover also equipped with pullout ramp Can be used to retrieve an astronaut from a fall into a crater Winch for crater emergencies, such as astronauts needing to be pulled out of craters Extendable rover braces on each wheel guard for rover stabilization during winch usage Lunar Escape 19
Life Support Systems Fully customizable for any situation Onboard oxygen tank, splints, solar flare blanket, etc. Quick-slap patches for helmet crack or suit tear Medical Kit in pressurized LER Lunar Escape 20
Lessons Learned As there are no current methods for astronaut recovery, it was up to our team to explore different scenarios astronauts might face while on the lunar surface. Because this design is still conceptual, we understand that there are still unforeseen problems and uses for such a device, and while this remains a daunting task, it is necessary to ensure the safety of our astronauts for continued, successful, lunar exploration. Lunar Escape 21
Conclusion The SMART rover automatic rescue and recovery system will reduce the risks associated with accidents that may occur on the lunar surface during extended periods of exploration. Lunar Escape 22
Thank you! Questions? Lunar Escape 23