Abstract
The Spherical Mobile Investigator for Planetary Surface (SMIPS) concept aims at making use of the latest developments within extreme miniaturization of space systems. The introduction of Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMSs) and higher level Multifunctional MicroSystems (MMSs) design solutions gives the robot high performance per weight unit. The untraditional spherical shape makes it easily maneuverable and thus provides a platform for scientific investigations of interplanetary bodies. Preliminary investigations of the SMIPS concept show several advantages over conventional robots and rovers in maneuverability, coverage, size, and mass. A locomotion proof-of-concept has been studied together with a new distributed on-board data system configuration. This paper discusses theoretical robot analysis, an overall concept, possible science, enabling technologies, and how to perform scientific investigations. A preliminary design of an inflatable multifunctional shell is proposed.
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