Rover Power Solution

2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME)

The objective of this project is to design a power system that could be implemented onto a surface rover to explore the asteroid Psyche if NASA wanted to pursue this kind of investigation.

 

Team Members

Alexander McAuley | Ewin Chen | Kyle Vanpelt | Colin Skinner |

Project Poster

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Project Summary

 

Overview

To better understand a peculiar asteroid with the name Psyche, NASA has proposed the idea of sending a rover to the surface of this asteroid to gain a better understanding of its properties. The task of creating a power system for a rover on this theoretical mission was given to this team. The power system was to be contained in the rover itself and generate power at the same time the rover is performing its functions.

Objectives

Without being limited by any parameters or specifications, this team used their pure creative freedom to propose an uncommon mechanism in outer space applications to be used for the mission. The main objective was to create a system that would give back a variable amount of power over time, while also reducing the overall cost of main power for the rover.

Approach

  • Customer needs were limited, so parameters were subject to change.
  • The group studied the information about Psyche to better understand the problem.
  • Several system concepts were generated, but most were not applicable to the conditions of space.
  • The group became familiar with NASA codes and standards to meet minimum safety requirements.
  • A ball screw mechanism was selected to be used for the final project idea.
  • The group met with the sponsor for some guidance to keep the scope of the project limited.
  • The scope of the project was decided to stay purely on the mechanical aspects.
  • Both a total stress analysis and vibrational analysis were done on the mechanism.
  • An iterative process was done between the analyses to meet both safety factor requirements and to find an optimal material for the device.
  • No prototype was created due to the intricate nature and expensive material of the device.
  • It was found that the shock absorber would be a reasonable addition to the mission.

Outcomes

  • The sponsor will save $550 over the two-year mission as a result of this project.
  • The project allows for over 15 Watts of power regeneration.
  • The type of device created has never been used in an outer space application.