A document describes a next-generation tumbleweed rover that involves a split balloon system that is made up of two half-spherical air bladders with a disc between them. This disc contains all the electronics and instruments. By deflating only the bottom balloon, the rover can sit, bringing the surface probe into contact with the ground. The bottom balloon has a channel passing through it, allowing the surface probe to reach the surface through the balloon. Once the sample has been gathered and analyzed, the rover can re-inflate the lower air bladder and continue rolling.
The rover will use a small set of instruments and electronics situated at the center of its inflatable spherical hull. The current version is a large beach-ball- like construction, about 1.8 m in diameter and weighing roughly 15 kg. The rover comprises two major parts, an outer spherical hull (split in half at the central disc) and an inner, disc-shaped cylindrical section. The balloons are attached to the bottom and top of the disc. Inside the disc, there are temperature and pressure sensors to keep track of the inner and outer conditions of the rover. A system of pumps and valves is responsible for independently inflating and deflating the balloons as necessary. There are also accelerometers to record the movement, together with a GPS receiver. The data are then sent through a modem to a control station. This work builds upon the project “Tumbleweed rover for planetary exploration,” described in the Technical Support Package, as noted below.
This work was done by Jeffrey P. Nosanov of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. NPO-47648
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Next-Generation Tumbleweed Rover
(reference NPO-47648) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package for NASA's Next-Generation Tumbleweed Rover, identified as NPO-47648, and is part of the NASA Tech Briefs. It aims to disseminate information about aerospace-related developments that have potential technological, scientific, or commercial applications. The rover is designed to operate in challenging environments, utilizing a unique dual-bladder system that enhances its mobility and functionality.
Key features of the rover include a "Disc" that houses all essential electronics, instruments, and power systems. The rover's design incorporates a main bladder and a sit bladder, which work together to facilitate movement and stability. The sit bladder allows the rover to maintain a low profile, while the main bladder provides buoyancy and propulsion. This innovative design enables the rover to navigate obstacles effectively, as a sudden shift in weight can propel it away from potential hazards.
Power management is a critical aspect of the rover's operation. The document highlights that frequent inflation and deflation, along with sample analysis, will require significant power resources. The rover is equipped with a compressor/air pump and a power system that supports its various functions, including sample gathering and analysis.
The rover's top view reveals its layout, featuring multiple cameras for navigation and observation, as well as valves that control airflow between the main and sit bladders. This configuration allows for efficient operation and adaptability to different terrains.
The document also emphasizes the collaborative nature of the project, acknowledging the support from the California Institute of Technology and the government sponsorship behind the research. It provides contact information for further inquiries, specifically directing interested parties to the Innovative Technology Assets Management at JPL.
Overall, the Technical Support Package serves as a comprehensive overview of the Next-Generation Tumbleweed Rover, detailing its innovative design, operational capabilities, and the potential for broader applications in various fields. The rover represents a significant advancement in mobility technology for exploration, particularly in extraterrestrial environments.
