Mars micro rover performance measurement and testing

Future Mars research missions will most likely include micro rovers to assist in planetary exploration and characterization. Universities, laboratories, space agencies, and members of the aerospace industry are developing various micro rover design concepts. This thesis proposes performance measures and an accompanying test plan which permit the grading and ranking of the performance of these micro rover designs. First, this thesis develops specific design and performance requirements in the following areas: mobility, navigation and control, scientific support, autonomy, and environmental stress resistance. Second, a list of rover capabilities necessary to satisfy the developed requirements is established, and pertinent performance metrics are proposed. Third, the design and performance requirements, necessary capabilities, and performance metrics are integrated into a series of proposed rover tests.

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