Title:
Reduced Gravity Flights to Study Granular Scaling Laws for Lunar Rovers
Agreement Number:
21FACONC08
Agreement Value:
$39,600.00
Agreement Date:
Mar 17, 2022 - Aug 31, 2023
Description:
The terrains of the Moon and Mars consist of fine granular regolith with embedded rocks. During the Apollo 15 mission, the Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle became stuck in such soil, and had to be freed manually by astronauts. Mars rovers have also suffered mobility challenges including entrapment in soft soil. There had been very limited experimental mobility data collected in reduced gravity to study this problem. Understanding the nature of interactions with granular terrains is thus crucial to exploring these high priority destinations.
The purpose of this project is to study Lunar rover mobility on regolith (loose soil) in reduced gravity. The main objectives are developing guidelines for using on-Earth testing in 1-g, along with modeling and simulation, to predict mobility performance in the Lunar environment.
All aspects of this research, from the reduced-gravity testing to the validation of on-Earth testing and models, position Canada at the cutting-edge of planetary rover research and maintain its global position of leadership in space robotics. Students involved inspire the next generation of Canadians to reach for the stars. The methods developed can be applied to the design of the upcoming Canadian Lunar Rover, as well as any of the other upcoming Lunar or planetary rovers being developed by Canada’s partners around the world.
Organization:
Canadian Space Agency
Expected Results:
The Research component of the program provides financial support to organizations to conduct space related research
and development in priority areas. It will support targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the
future.
Location:
Montreal, Quebec, CA H3G 2J1
Reference Number:
003-2021-2022-Q4-00060
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Amendment Date
Feb 8, 2023
Recipient's Legal Name:
Concordia University
Program:
Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology
Program Purpose:
This program supports knowledge development and innovation in the CSA's priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities.
The Research Component aims to support the development of science and technology; foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada; and support information gathering and space-related studies and research pertaining to Canadian Space Agency priorities.