Canadian Microrovers for Planetary Exploration

Microrovers, having low mass, low power consumption, low cost, are useful to reduce the operation risks of human or robotic planetary exploration missions as well as to obtain highly desired science data. The Canadian Space Agency has started the development of microrovers that can be used as a stand-alone system or in conjunction with a large rover or lander. The microrovers are designed for three mission scenarios: “scouting” – to discover surroundings and collect nearby geographic and environmental information for astronauts or large rovers; Sample return - to acquire and bring samples to astronauts or large rovers from areas difficult and dangerous to reach; science exploration – to collect science data by performing in-situ measurement with on-board scientific instruments. The microrovers have three operation modes: tele-operated mode; supervised autonomous mode; tether-aided descending and climbing mode. They have a mass of less than 30 kg, solar power generation, on-board navigation system, sample acquisition mechanism, and onboard scientific instruments. This paper presents the overall system requirements, description of the microrover design, and operations concept. It also explores the science application of the microrover platform.