Overview

This project comes from our common passion of electronics, spatial and programming. After different projects led by each member of the group we have decided to make a model of the latest Martian rovers since September 2016 together. Indeed, this structure needs many knowledges, various material so that’s why we have got into partnership.

This is the genesis of the project and we have aimed to build quickly a prototype of the Martian Rover Curiosity (1:3 scale) with the material that we had. Indeed, this type of project is huge because it offers so many improvements and new functionalities to explore. Therefore, we have had to define clearly the first steps. The Nice University supplies us with all the materials we need (bought on electronics websites but also in DIY stores like Castorama) and the amount is, for the time being, about 3800€.

For the scholar year 2016/2017, each member of the group has different goals. Matt and Coralie have got a mark on their “industrial project”, have made an oral presentation in front of the school examination boards and they have had sessions to work on it every Friday. Maéva takes some of her free-time to carry the project forward. Pascal has advised and led us towards right directions.

All the members have a minimal raspberry3 kit (and specific components which depend on our different tasks) which includes:

the raspberry card with its operating system (raspbian)
a Bluetooth keyboard with a mouse
a 7inch tactile screen
male/male connector, female/male connector

During the research phase, we have learnt a lot on rover’s history and their characteristics. As of today’s, there has been only 3 NASA’s exploration missions on Mars:

Mars Pathfinder in 1996 which has allowed to carry out the first analysis on the Martian floor. Thanks to its spectrometer, it has determined the rocks composition and confirmed the volcanic past. It used laser to avoid obstacles, had 2 cameras and was powered by a 0.25m² solar panel coupled with a lithium battery. The communication had been lost after 83 exploration days.
Mars Exploration Rover (MER) in 2003 which has allowed to analyse geology thanks to Spirit and Opportunity. They weighed about 170 kg, received 3 spectrometers and 3 cameras suppling a panoramic view of the landscape or microscopic observation. A nocturne motion is allowed thanks to solar panels. Opportunity is still functioning but Spirit got stuck.
Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) in 2011 whose goal is to analyse geology, meteorology and radiations received on Mars but also the possible existence of live organisms in the Gale crater. This rover, named Curiosity, is provided with a complete meteorological station, a nuclear generator to prevent the rover from radiation variation. The rover is still in mission.

We have developed a RF communication which allow transmissions between the Earthling board and the Martian Rover. Indeed, the user can control the rover thanks to our web site: through requests, our embedded laboratory (temperature, humidity…) and the articulated arm with its plier can be remotely managed. Furthermore, the body, the rocker bogie system and the motorisation has been studied then built. Finally, we have prepared the head which holds a night camera and a pair of cameras for 3D. The next aim is to implement a motion control and give the possibility to recognize its landmark or create a path avoiding obstacles and dangers. To be autonomous, we have the ambition of creating an enslavement.

We are very impatient to see the future development of the rover and its future team which will evolve in function of the students’ studies. This web page will be updated regularly to inform you on the advancement of the project. We hope that the project has interested you and if you have questions, remarks or advices feel free to contact us.