Desert Research and Technology Studies 2006 Report

Romig, Barbara; Kosmo, Joseph J.; Ross, Amy; Bernard, Craig; Aitchison, Lindsay; Eppler, D. B.; Splawn, Keith

doi:10.4271/2007-01-3131

Cited by 8 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…NASA has been doing some pioneering, highly empirical projects, assessing potential technologies, developing tools and systems, and tailoring efficient operational strategies for returning crew to the Moon with the intent of building permanent settlements, as we push outwards into the solar system (Romig 2010). This research project has drawn up a detailed synergetic plan to utilize these maturing systems coupled with CC machines, tailored for swift and reliable lunar infrastructure development.…”

Section: Extra-terrestrial Potentialmentioning

confidence: 99%

Robotic Construction by Contour Crafting: The Case of Lunar Construction

Leach

Carlson

Khoshnevis

et al. 2012

International Journal of Architectural Computing

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Contour Crafting is a digitally controlled construction process invented by Professor Behrokh Khoshnevis that fabricates components directly from computer models, using layered fabrication technology. By obviating the need for formwork used in traditional concrete construction, CC can reduce costs and construction times significantly. The technique has great potential as a robotic form of construction reliant on relatively minimal human labor as a form of construction in relatively hazardous environments, such as the Moon with its radiation levels that can prove highly damaging. Current research funded by NASA has been exploring the potential for using CC on the Moon to build structures making use of readily available regolith that is found in great abundance on the surface of the Moon. This article offers an overview of this research and evaluates the merits of using CC on the Moon.

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Section: Extra-terrestrial Potentialmentioning

confidence: 99%

Robotic Construction by Contour Crafting: The Case of Lunar Construction

Leach

Carlson

Khoshnevis

et al. 2012

International Journal of Architectural Computing

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“…1 Later Desert RATS field analog studies tested the "Electric Tractor" as an EVA-crew controlled robotic system, capable of pulling science packages and local site preparation through grading and digging adapters. 2 Recent Desert RATS tests have examined the use of the NASA Ames K-10 robots for pre-and post-EVA site evaluation, but real-time EVA-robotic operations in recent years have focused on the use of a small pressurized rover as the crew support vehicle. 3 As shown in Figure 2, following EVA crew closely with a pressurized rover can be a burdensome task, resulting in relatively long traverses away from the rover, and requiring the crew to carry all their own tools and samples for these surface operations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Field Analogue Simulations Investigating EVA/Robotic Collaboration in Lunar Exploration

Akin

Saripalli

Capua

et al. 2011

41st International Conference on Environmental Systems

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By the time that human missions to the moon resume, a half century or more will have passed since the last Apollo missions. Technologies only dreamed of in the days of Apollo will be available to assist, augment, and supplement human explorers on the moon and Mars. However, many of the current conceptualizations of human planetary surface exploration seem to start where Apollo left off, with robotic systems largely relegated to transport functions or operations independent of the human explorers. Under support from the NASA Lunar Advanced Science and Exploration Research (LASER) program, the University of Maryland (UMd) and Arizona State University (ASU) have teamed up in a four-year effort to investigate advanced collaborations between spacesuited humans and robots for lunar exploration. This investigation is focused on a series of annual field trials in the Arizona desert, wherein planetary geologists will serve as simulated astronauts using advanced space suit simulators and dexterous manipulator-equipped rovers created by the UMd/ASU team. In an homage to the long-standing NASA Desert Research and Technology Studies (RATS) test series, this stand-alone research investigation has been named the Desert Field Lessons in Engineering And Science, or Desert FLEAS. This paper covers the concept behind the Desert FLEAS research, and details the evolutionary set of annual field trials with increasing space suit and robotic system capabilities. In an early test series in September 2010, the UMd MX-A space suit simulator was paired with the Robotic Assist Vehicle for Extravehicular Navigation (RAVEN) astronaut assistance rover developed by the combined senior capstone design classes of the UMd Aerospace Engineering department and the ASU School of Earth and Space Exploration. In this proof-of-concept test, the MX-A suit was equipped with head-mounted displays with head-tracking sensors for hands-free gestural interface to an information data base, along with several approaches for EVA control of the RAVEN driving functions. These tests, performed on the ASU campus and in conjunction with the 2010 NASA Desert RATS tests at the Black Point Lava Flow, Arizona, included EVA-directed remote sampling via the RAVEN dexterous manipulator, and human/robot paired traverses across the analogue site. In the first formal LASER test series, the UMd/ASU team spent a week performing field trials in March, 2011 at the Warford Ranch volcano field in southwestern Arizona. In

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“…These remote field exercises provide the capability to 1) identify and establish technical requirements applicable for future planetary exploration, 2) validate mission operational techniques, and 3) test experimental hardware and software. [1] The primary objective of Desert RATS is to test preliminary exploration operations concepts to drive out EVA system requirements by providing hands-on experience with simulated planetary surface exploration EVA hardware and procedures. RATS activities also are of significant importance in helping to develop the necessary levels of technical skills and experience for the next generation of engineers, scientists, technicians, and astronauts who will be responsible for realizing the goals of the Constellation Program.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In order to learn how to be a good engineer, there is no substitute for the hands-on experience that RATS provides. [1] PARTICIPANTS Participation in the remote field test has grown and fluctuated in size over its 11 year span. It started in 1997 with 4 people, has been over 100 people in 2006 and 2007, and was over 50 people in 2008.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%