Exploration and Cooperation Robotics on the Moon

Mohammad Alfraheed,Abdullah O Al-Zaghameem

doi:10.4236/jsip.2013.43033

Mohammad Alfraheed, Abdullah O Al-Zaghameem

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4236/jsip.2013.43033

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Abstract

Space robotics are the development of general purpose machines that is capable of surviving (for a time, at least) in the rigors of the space environment, and performing exploration, assembly, construction, maintenance, servicing. Space Robots can perform tasks less expensively or on an accelerated schedule, with less risk and occasionally with improved performance while humans doing the same tasks. The moon is the natural next step in the exploration of our own universe. Understanding moon better will help us understand our neighbors in the solar system. In this paper, a concept of exploration and cooperation robotics on the moon is discussed. The concept requires not only to extend the exploration mission on the moon surface but also to address a way to integrate the developed robotics with each other. Sharing the information between robots is one of a concept’s features to reduce lime and power consumption in the exploration process. Moreover, several challenges are discussed here, which prevent the concept from developing in outer space or on moon.

Highlights

Space robotics and other general purpose machines are developed that are capable of surviving in the rigors of the space environment and can perform special tasks [1]
Several challenges are discussed here, which prevent the concept from developing in outer space or on moon
To build a space station on the moon, several questions are highlighted: How will the space agency build its own base on the moon? Where should a moon base be constructed? And how can the current developed space robots assist astronauts to carry out the extra-vehicular activities with limited resources? As an initial answer for these questions, a concept for exploration and cooperation robotics on the moon is introduced

Summary

Introduction

Space robotics and other general purpose machines are developed that are capable of surviving in the rigors of the space environment and can perform special tasks (e.g. exploration, assembly, construction, maintenance, servicing etc.) [1]. Space robots are important to our overall ability to operate in space because firstly, they can perform tasks less expensively, with accelerated schedule, with less risk and with improved performance They can operate for long durations and stay in the stand by for long periods while traveling from the earth to the destination. An engineering test satellite launched in November 1997 by JAXA japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is here mentioned as an example for free-flying robot [2]. Another example is Orbital Express, which was launched in March 2007, and was developed by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) program. Conclusion and future work are given in the last section

Exploration of Planetary Surfaces

Cooperation between Humans and Robots

Future Vision

Challenges for Future Developments

Challenge 2

Conclusion and Future Work