Power Telemetry Onboard a Semi-autonomous Mars Rover
Abstract
This paper explores the telemetry of the power distribution system utilized onboard a semiautonomous Mars rover. The Missouri S & T Mars Rover Design Team designs and fabricates such a rover to compete in the University Rover Challenge, a competition whose tasks simulate a future manned mission to Mars. To maximize efficiency during competition, the rover's modular power distribution system consists of three separate units: a 72 Watt-hour, Lithium-polymer battery pack; a custom Battery Management System (BMS); and a central power board. The BMS and power board measure and process electrical and environmental data autonomously, creating a selfregulating system onboard the rover. The two also form a communication chain between team teleoperators and the battery pack. This continuous stream of real-time data enables the team to quickly monitor the rover's safe operation, to make informed decisions during competition, and to apply this data to the design of future power systems.
Recommended Citation
R. C. Marcolina et al., "Power Telemetry Onboard a Semi-autonomous Mars Rover," Proceedings of the International Telemetering Conference, International Foundation for Telemetering, Jan 2017.
Department(s)
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Second Department
Biological Sciences
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0884-5123
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2024 International Foundation for Telemetering, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 2017