NDSU Mechanical Engineering - NASA X-Hab FY26 Power Rover 2.0

This project focuses on developing a rover and station system designed to charge and revive other rovers that have entered a critically low-power state. The primary objective is to ensure mission continuity and rover recovery in remote or power-limited environments where solar
energy is unavailable or insufficient. By enabling mobile energy delivery, the system increases the operational lifespan of field-deployed rovers and prevents the permanent loss of valuable equipment.

The rescue rover is engineered to travel long distances, navigate challenging terrain, and deliver power directly to disabled rovers. Its charging capabilities are designed to be efficient, reliable, and flexible enough to support a variety of rover platforms. Complementing this is an immobile charging station that is able to recharge the rescue rover and provide additional charging for future expansion as more rovers are deployed. This station will also serve as the charging interface proof of concept.

The design process includes system requirements definition, mobility and energy-transfer analysis, navigation considerations, prototype development, and validation of successful charging operations. The completed system demonstrates a scalable and self-sustaining approach to maintaining rover networks, particularly in remote research sites, planetary environments, or hazardous areas where human intervention is not feasible.