NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
"Beach-Ball" Robotic RoversRobotic vehicles resembling large beach balls proposed for carrying scientific instruments. Conceived for use in exploring planet Mars, also useful on Earth to carry meteorological or pollution-monitoring equipment to remote locations across rough terrain and even across water. Each vehicle features approximately spherical balloonlike outer shell inflated to suitable pressure. Three diametral tethers approximately perpendicular to each other attached to shell. Control box moves itself along tethers to shift center of gravity, causing vehicle to roll. Alternatively, instead of shell, structure of approximately spherical outline made of twisted rods; of course, not suitable for traversing water or thick vegetation.
Document ID
19950070425
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Other - NASA Tech Brief
Authors
Smyth, David E.
(Caltech)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1995
Publication Information
Publication: NASA Tech Briefs
Volume: 19
Issue: 11
ISSN: 0145-319X
Subject Category
Machinery
Report/Patent Number
NPO-19272
Accession Number
95B10604
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available