Hypothesized Surface: Robotic Explorer for Hypothesized Surfaces – Rover-Wheel Operations and Surface Environment Simulator
INSTITUTION
Arizona State University (ASU)
CLASS
Tungsten Class (2023 – 2024)
STUDENT TEAM
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL GUIDANCE
Dr. Tracee Jamison-Hooks
ACADEMIC GUIDANCE
Cassie Bowman
Dr. Danny Jacobs
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The goal of the Rover-wheel Operations and Surface Environment Simulator (ROSES) was to test different wheel geometries on a Psyche test bed according to Psyche’s gravitational force in order to determine what wheels will perform best on the surface of the M-type asteroid. Wheels were modeled after previous Mars rover wheels and mining vehicle wheels and were 3D printed. The test bed materials were sourced by the team according to the 5 different hypothesized surfaces in the literature. Part of the science goal was to determine the possibility of simulating extremely low gravity on Earth, and a gantry system was used to reduce the gravitational force on the wheels. The team demonstrated that it is possible to simulate low gravitational force, like that of Psyche, and that no particular wheel model was best suited for the different surfaces, indicating that lander/mobility systems without wheels may be better suited for future Psyche missions.