HCT Rover III Update

The students at the Huntsville Center for Technology recently received a shipment of new parts for their rapid prototype rover.  This included bigger batteries, special wires, bigger motors, and tires.

These new motors are almost perfect for our Earth based prototypes.  Assuming our wheels can maintain the necessary traction these new motors have enough power to get a full weight rover up and over a 45 degree slope on Earth while consuming relatively little electrical power.  The only downside to these motors is that their shape is a bit awkward to build around.  This could be a blessing in disguise because it makes everyone think of more body design ideas.  The new tires are RC racing hobby tires.  They are temporary until we can create some larger metal wheels that can get traction on the moon’s dusty surface.  

The students have taken a piece of aluminum and have started drilling, mounting, and dry fitting their new motors to the metal plate.  This will serve as the base of the chassis for their next version of the rapid prototype.  The students plan to demo their current rover at a volunteer team meeting this week for the Engineering Meets Education program.  After this meeting the students will move the electronics off of their current prototype onto this new stronger rover body.

Here are some pictures of the students’ work in progress.

HCT Rover Full Body Angle

 

HCT- Rover Full Body Close Up

 

HCT Rover Full Body Overhead

 

Charles Tullock

Rover Systems Integrator

Dynetics


 

 

 

 

 

Return from HCT Rover Update Rev3 to Space Rover

Return Home