Design Planetary Analysis System for WRover20
Problem statement
Throughout the history of mankind, there has been a wonder and search for possible life outside of the planet Earth. The University Rover Challenge (URC) explores this idea through a competition to design a rover that could be sent to Mars. Each year, the Wisconsin Robotics Org team takes part in the URC, which happens at the end of May in the Mars Desert Research Station, near Hanksville, UT. URC consists of four main tasks, each getting scored out of 100 points based on performance [1]. One of those tasks is the Science Mission, consisting on collecting and analyzing soil samples using a tele-operated Mars Rover. In the past, Wisconsin Robotics has used drilling techniques and imaging technology to sample the competition sites and analyze results, however any method is welcome as long as it abides by competition rules and regulations. The main objective of a Mars Rover is to collect data from the environment and analyze it onboard to draw conclusions about extinct, extant or no life existing in the Red Planet. Wisconsin Robotics is looking for a creative system that can collect and analyze this data in a simulated Mars environment at the University Rover Challenge because it is a significant portion of its competition score. [1] “Requirements & Guidelines – University Rover Challenge.” [Online]. Available: http://urc.marssociety.org/home/requirements-guidelines. [Accessed: 01-Oct-2019].
Team members
Victor Freire – leader
Spencer Stingl – communicator
Ho Young Rhyu – accountant
Connor Smith – admin