Waypoints

2-Dec-04 USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture Requirements for Waypoints  Located along race path  Provide rovers with supplies and logistics handling  Have docking interface to avoid EVA  Self-powered during daylight  Emit beacon for easy locating  Have cameras for race documentation  Transmit HDTV to lunar commsats

2-Dec-04 USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture Alternative Requirements  Provide emergency shelter/radiation shielding  Service several rovers at once  Have built in catchers for arced trajectory delivery of fuels/solids/gases

2-Dec-04 USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture Advantages  Rovers do not have to carry all supplies at once  Positive psychological effect  Establishes infrastructure along future lunar highway: gas station analogy  Design can be used for future development of waypoints between bases

2-Dec-04 USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture Locations 15 ~Equidistant waypoints along race pathway Place beacons/communications on high protrusions Assuming no protrusions, a height of at least 4 km is needed to maintain line of sight contact between 2 endpoints and 15 waypoints in between 250 km between waypoints 4 km altitude allows direct line of sight

2-Dec-04 USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture Deployment  Autonomously land waypoints  Requires precision landing/navigation  Waypoints must fit within envelope of launch vehicle fairing  Carry stacks of several modules to L1  Deploy to various locations from L1 L1

2-Dec-04 USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture Placement  At average ground level Less visibility  On high peaks Less accessible  Two part landing Beacon on high ground Resources on level ground Small autonomous rover deployed and searches for high point

2-Dec-04 USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture Logistics and Supplies  Provide: Daily Needs  Power  Fuel  Oxygen  Water  Food Waste management (recycling capabilities) Tools/First Aid

2-Dec-04 USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture Interface  Docking ring or port  Allow easy access to gas, fluids and some solids through universal ports  EVA’s avoided when possible  EVA’s may be required if tools or repair resources required for rovers  Alternative to EVA’s: use remote manipulator system (RMS)

2-Dec-04 USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture Basic Design Universal ports Solar panels Pre-selected boxes Deployable antenna with lights and transmitter Lander stage and pads

2-Dec-04 USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture Traffic Handling Rover A Rover B Rover C Deployable hose for fluids/gases transfer Rover manipulator arm Docking ports

2-Dec-04 USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture Alternative Designs (A)  Addition of radiation shelter Pros  Safe haven for contestants during solar flare  Rovers can reduce shielding measures Cons  Less waypoints per launch = increased cost  Haven reached in time?

2-Dec-04 USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture Alternative Designs (B)  Arced trajectory delivery of fuels Low vapor pressure fluids delivery Restock of waypoints less costly Limitation of distances and fluids used Increase in R&D Restock capability useful for future development of lunar highway

2-Dec-04 USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture Alternative Designs (A&B) Catcher mechanism Shelter similar to Habitats. Autonomous deployment requires shoveling rover

2-Dec-04 USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture Waypoints as part of race  Cost of waypoints offset by sponsorship  Each waypoint has HDTV  Each waypoint can be themed  Reaching a waypoint: milestone  Calibration points for rover navigation