Hot wheels on Mars

When technology is combined with the imagination of the human mind, an elaborate work of art is created. NASA’s Curiosity Rover is evidence of the extent to which human creativity can reach; it is a well-tuned machine working in perfect unison with every bolt, screw, and wire to create something greater than its individual components, which figuratively winds its own springs. However, every great innovation must start at its foundation.

The Mars Rover started with its wheels. The rover is rigged with six 50 cm aluminum wheels; each one with its own motor. Furthermore, the rover is able to turn itself 360 degrees due to the additional steering motors on the front and rear wheels. Each of the rover’s wheels is also equipped with cleats, providing

traction in the rough terrain. The wheels move throughout the Martian terrain using a “rockerbogie”

suspension system, which has been previously used on earlier Mars Exploration Rover missions. This design allows the rover to endure a 45 degree tilt in any direction without overturning!

However, while the Rover can withstand a 45 degree tilt, it is programmed to avoid any

angles above 30 degrees. The Rover also has a top speed of 4 cm/s. This is presumably to avoid

any dangerous collisions or situations. Also, there is no need for the speed as there is no one

to race in Mars thus far. So, coupled with its engineering and programming, the Rover is

designed to traverse the terrain efficiently and safely.

           

           

Engineering Team: Mario Lopez, Stanley Crespin, Jose De Vera