Design, construction and test operations of an analog pressurised planetary exploration vehicle

Mann, G. (2006) Design, construction and test operations of an analog pressurised planetary exploration vehicle. Science and Technology Series, 111 . pp. 237-252.

Abstract

An essential component of any future human Mars mission is a pressurised, automated vehicle capable of safely and comfortably carrying a small crew of explorers distances on the order of hundreds of kilometers from the landing site. The design of such a vehicle presents many technical questions and challenges. As a practical contribution to the needed design effort, the Mars Society Australia's Project Marsupial aims to construct and operate a practical, affordable, all wheel drive off-road vehicle for simulating exploratory sorties and for raising public awareness of the value of a Mars mission. Basic motivation, design concepts, methodology and established parameters for the Starchaser rover - currently under construction in Western Australia - are described. A three-stage construction plan is then sketched out. Finally, a series of simulated surface operations for the completed vehicle are proposed.