There are many features and functions that will be incorporated into the design of the rover [4]. Each of these subcategories must be capable of surviving on the lunar surface, which can range in temperatures from 100 Kelvin (-280 degrees Farenheit) to 390 Kelvin (242 degrees Farenheit) at the equator [6]. Described below are the proposed components necessary for mobility on the lunar surface.
- Power sources: triple junction gallium arsenide solar panels, 2 8 amp-hr rechargeable lithium batteries
- Electronics box: gold painted walls and aerogel holds computer electronics and batteries. Heat for electronics provided via 1 Watt heaters that generate heat through degradation of a low-grade isotope. They continuously produce heat. When inside the lander structure or during a hot lunar day, the rover may become too warm, so the heat rejection system uses pumps to reject excess heat.
- Mobility: provided through 10 inch aluminum wheels with cleats for maneuvering through sand and rocks. The wheels are constructed in a spiral pattern to absorb shock and are filled with Solimide to prevent debris from becoming entangled in the wheels. Solimide has properties which allow it to retain flexibility at very low temperatures. Three dimensional modeling software using video processing techniques provide hazard avoidance.
- Because of on-board processing, base station, cameras, RF hardware and antennas required, the rover and base-station are classified as "heavy" launch payload.
