Planetary Rovers

What are Planetary Rovers?

Uses human-like features, including:
  • Wheels and legs for mobility
  • Body containing ‘vital organs’ (electronics, computer, hardware). Keeps electronics covered and controls temperature.
  • "Senses" to allow the rover to collect information and be similar to what a human would experience. Can include the use of cameras as sight, microphones for sound, etc.
  • An arm with 3 joints (resembling the human's shoulder, elbow, and wrist) to maneuver, examine, and use scientific instruments
  • Antennas used for communicating with Earth, serving as “speaking and hearing”
  • Neck and head which gives the rover a human-scale view
They use these features to record data and collect information, take samples or prepare the surface of a planet.

What are the benifits of using this technology?

Planetary Rovers can be very efficient at planet exploration and the collection of scientific data without the risk of human life or quality of human life. It can also prepare a site on the surface of said planet in preparation for safe arrival of human astronauts or the landing of a space craft. They can be remotely controlled to limit danger exposed to human astronauts, and are equipped with solar panels that supply them with batteries for long amounts of time. Planetary rovers are also much cheaper to maintain and operate than risking the life of a human astronaut, since they do not need food, water or air and do not suffer working the harsh hours and conditions a human would on a remote planet.

What are the disadvantages of using this technology?

Although Planetary Rovers are able to be operated remotely, this does lead to problems regarding lack of access. Rovers are prone to failure though limited mobility, which affects their ability to move and explore the rough terrain of unfamiliar planets. Since rovers are controlled remotely, communication can also be limited which makes progress slow and often creates periods of no communication and an unclear idea of progress. Rovers are often alone on a planet, meaning they will not have access to repair or replacement in the situation of being damaged. Especially since unfamiliar planets' terrain can carry dust, wind, rock and other elements that can wear away and damage a rover.

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