Mission-Task Support Aspects of Planetary Rover for Surface Analysis

Abstract

As an extension to space robotics technology, the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) has been examining possible scenarios for unmanned planetary explorations. The paper discusses the roles of planetary rovers in terms of mission support aspects during presumed lunar-surface robotics tasks, and then describes a Compact Payload-Interface-Device (CPID) that acts as a common gateway for detachable instruments. A surface excavation tool is also designed and evaluated for its ""mechanics-soil interaction"" as one example of system design.