Application of COTS Components for Martian Surface Exploration

M. Cross; C. Nichol; Ala’Qadi; A. Ellery (2013), JBIS, 66, 161-166

Refcode: 2013.66.161

Abstract:
This paper details the motivation behind COTS component testing, the results, and their application for a low-cost, sample and fetch scout rover to accompany large scientific exploration rovers. Carleton University’s Space Exploration Engineering Group proposed using Maxon motors and controllers for the wheel and mechanism assemblies on a micro-rover development platform called Kapvik . These components were subjected to extensive environment tests to determine their operability at sub- rated temperatures. The results showed the motors and controllers will perform at temperatures experienced at equatorial Mars.