1. NASA-MSFC Lunar Exploration Ryan Baggett Nick Boyer Martha Hurley Hanum Jumastapha Michelle Pugh February 5, 2009

2. Stakeholders NASA-MSFC NASA-MSFC Primary Contact: Dr Ken Fernandez Primary Contact: Dr Ken Fernandez Foreign Space Agencies Foreign Space Agencies Robotics Industry Robotics Industry US Military US Military

3. Problem – Lunar Navigation Needs: Needs: Method of lunar navigation Method of lunar navigation GPS not plausible GPS not plausible Solution: Solution: Develop network of beacons on the lunar surface Develop network of beacons on the lunar surface

4. How It Works

5. Our Involvement – Beacon Design Beacon Design Considerations Beacon Design Considerations Transmit and receive signal Transmit and receive signal Be compatible with available mechanical grippers Be compatible with available mechanical grippers Be compact Be compact Suitable power source Suitable power source Withstand lunar environment Withstand lunar environment

6. Robonaut: NASA’s Space Humanoid Robonaut is the first anthropomorphic robot possessing the fine motion and force–torque control required for dexterous tasks needed in space environments Robonaut is the first anthropomorphic robot possessing the fine motion and force–torque control required for dexterous tasks needed in space environments

7. Structural Considerations Sufficient room for power and signal components Sufficient room for power and signal components Compatible shape for mechanical gripper Compatible shape for mechanical gripper Support system Support system Compact for transportation Compact for transportation

8. Support System Tripod to keep stable Tripod to keep stable Ratchet mechanism to accommodate uneven terrain and keep beacon compact for transportation Ratchet mechanism to accommodate uneven terrain and keep beacon compact for transportation

9. Power Source for the Beacon NASA wants to use either solar or nuclear power Requirements: o Needs to withstand moon conditions o Needs to be able to fit size/weight requirements o Needs to store 2 weeks of energy o 10 year life (at least) Solar power is the better option: o More is known about lunar solar cells o Less chance of catastrophic failure o Beginning stages of use – ONLY robotic o More feasible for size/weight requirements

10. Factors in Materials Selection Lunar Environment Lunar Environment Extreme temperature range (average of -153  C at night to 107  C during the day) Extreme temperature range (average of -153  C at night to 107  C during the day) Look into satellite technology Look into satellite technology Signal Propagation Signal Propagation Must allow signal to pass through Must allow signal to pass through Look into satellite technology Look into satellite technology

11. Questions?