NASA and its engineers are still learning how to send robotic rovers to explore the vastness of space, with many encountering sticky situations on alien soil. The first extraterrestrial rover was launched in 1970, but it’s only now that scientists have figured out why these marvels of engineering keep getting stuck. Mechanical engineer Dan Negrut and his team used computer simulations to analyze rover mobility on granular soil, revealing a crucial detail: the effect of gravity on sand.
Unlike Earth, where dust settles firmly, the dusty coats on Moon and Mars are fluffier and squishier, shifting easily under low gravity. This makes it harder for rovers’ wheels to get traction, leading to frequent stalling. A recent simulation showed that previous rover designs had overlooked this critical factor. The breakthrough could help future space exploration rovers avoid getting stuck in dusty situations.
The research, published in the Journal of Field Robotics, highlights the value of using physics-based simulations to analyze rover mobility on alien soil. With advancements like Project Chrono, engineers can better design and build rovers capable of navigating challenging environments.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/nasa-rovers-keep-getting-stuck-and-we-finally-know-why