Waypoints

1. Waypoints

2. Requirements for Waypoints • Located along race path • Provide rovers with supplies and logistics handling • Have docking interface to avoid EVA • Self-powered during daylight • Emit beacon for easy locating • Have cameras for race documentation • Transmit HDTV to lunar commsats USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture

3. Alternative Requirements • Provide emergency shelter/radiation shielding • Service several rovers at once • Have built in catchers for arced trajectory delivery of fuels/solids/gases USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture

4. Advantages • Rovers do not have to carry all supplies at once • Positive psychological effect • Establishes infrastructure along future lunar highway: gas station analogy • Design can be used for future development of waypoints between bases USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture

5. Locations • 15 ~Equidistant waypoints along • race pathway • Place beacons/communications • on high protrusions • Assuming no protrusions, a • height of at least 4 km is needed • to maintain line of sight contact • between 2 endpoints and 15 • waypoints in between 4 km altitude allows direct line of sight 250 km between waypoints USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture

6. Deployment • Autonomously land waypoints • Requires precision landing/navigation • Waypoints must fit within envelope of launch vehicle fairing • Carry stacks of several modules to L1 • Deploy to various locations from L1 L1 USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture

7. Placement • At average ground level • Less visibility • On high peaks • Less accessible • Two part landing • Beacon on high ground • Resources on level ground • Small autonomous rover deployed and searches for high point USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture

8. Logistics and Supplies • Provide: • Daily Needs • Power • Fuel • Oxygen • Water • Food • Waste management (recycling capabilities) • Tools/First Aid USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture

9. Interface • Docking ring or port • Allow easy access to gas, fluids and some solids through universal ports • EVA’s avoided when possible • EVA’s may be required if tools or repair resources required for rovers • Alternative to EVA’s: use remote manipulator system (RMS) USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture

10. Basic Design Deployable antenna with lights and transmitter Solar panels Universal ports Pre-selected boxes Lander stage and pads USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture

11. Traffic Handling Rover A Deployable hose for fluids/gases transfer Rover B Rover manipulator arm Docking ports Rover C USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture

12. Alternative Designs (A) • Addition of radiation shelter • Pros • Safe haven for contestants during solar flare • Rovers can reduce shielding measures • Cons • Less waypoints per launch = increased cost • Haven reached in time? USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture

13. Alternative Designs (B) • Arced trajectory delivery of fuels • Low vapor pressure fluids delivery • Restock of waypoints less costly • Limitation of distances and fluids used • Increase in R&D • Restock capability useful for future development of lunar highway USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture

14. Alternative Designs (A&B) Shelter similar to Habitats. Autonomous deployment requires shoveling rover Catcher mechanism USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture

15. Waypoints as part of race • Cost of waypoints offset by sponsorship • Each waypoint has HDTV • Each waypoint can be themed • Reaching a waypoint: milestone • Calibration points for rover navigation USC 2004 AME 557 Space Exploration Architecture