Rover Deployment Software System
The Brains Behind the Rover's pod
H. Vanhuynegem (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
D.Y. Aris (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
Chris Verhoeven – Mentor (TU Delft - Electronics)
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Abstract
The Rover Deployment Software System (RDSS) is a critical component designed to ensure the successful deployment of the Lunar Zebro rover onto the lunar surface. This thesis presents the design, implementation, and testing of the RDSS, which consists of three primary subsystems: a communication system between the lander and the RDSS, an electronic control system, and an integration with an existing rover communication system. Moreover, the existing rover communication system will not be covered in this thesis due to the implementation being done by the Lunar Zebro team in the future. The RDSS is tasked with managing the deployment sequence, providing power during transit, and facilitating communication between the rover and the lander. Key challenges addressed include handling the harsh lunar environment, ensuring reliable communication, and adhering to strict weight constraints. Extensive testing, including unit, integration, system, and performance tests, validated the system’s robustness and reliability. The insights and methodologies developed are intended to support the Lunar Zebro mission and inform future projects involving space deployment systems.