4 ms·
That's basically the SLIM's LEV-2. Not a lander itself, but a small rover. https://www.space.com/jaxa-slim-moon-lander-lev-2-ball-robot https://www.space.com/j
by theultdev 3y ago
That's basically the SLIM's LEV-2. Not a lander itself, but a small rover.
https://www.space.com/jaxa-slim-moon-lander-lev-2-ball-robot https://www.space.com/jaxa-slim-moon-lander-lev-2-ball-robot
There's also the method of dropping a ball of airbags that deflate and detach, so you aren't limited to being a ball.
I assume it's more efficient and versatile (lots of tools on these things) to not be a ball.
You basically want a small truck loaded with equipment and a solar panel on top.
- knodi123 3y agoisn't regolith microscopic and sharp? A sealed ball that rolls around is one thing, but wouldn't a non-sealed ball just get its motor shredded pretty quickly?
- serf 3y agoI remember reading before that given the consistency and weight of moon dust that electrostatic protection of assets is viable. I guess the concept would be to surround the motors in a electrostatic force that results in propulsive removal of particulates away from the drivetrain. I don't know if it has been practically used.
- knodi123 3y agoah, nice tip! https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0094576523001133 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S00945...