OPTION 3: LUNAR ROVER

Kepler-based Artemis Lunar Launch Ion Sub-Terranean Exploration Rover

(KALLISTER)

SALINAS, DIANA
ITAWAMBA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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Abstract

Similar to NASA's Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER), Kepler-based

Artemis Lunar Launch Ion Sub-Terranean Exploration Rover (KALLISTER) will drill into the

ground to take documentation of the regolith to uncover more about the formation of the Moon.

The rover's overall mission is to collect samples and gather data about the resources available on

the lunar surface.

Recover regolith from the Moon: After landing, KALLISTER will collect regolith and small

rock samples found on the various regions as it crosses mares, highlands, and rilles. Regolith will

be stored into side containers on the rover for shipment back to Earth to provide information

about the effects of space weathering and radiation. 

Analyze information about the Moon’s surface: KALLISTER will analyze underneath the

Moon's surface to try and uncover more traces of hydrogen using the Neutron Spectrometer

System. The possibilities of uncovering hydrogen could lead to more areas where rovers can find

water. While VIPER searches the South Pole, KALLISTER will travel around other regions of

the Moon. 

Map areas of the Moon based on high traces of elements: Throughout its journey,

KALLISTER will stop and analyze data from around its area to create a map. It will record data

such as rock composition, elements found in the area, and images as it travels using the

instruments aboard the rover. Data will be sent back to Earth to be completely analyzed and

mapped. The elements of metals found in the Moon's regolith are usually small portions but

almost entirely pure. The analysis and map could help uncover areas where humans can use the

Moon's resources and practice in-situ resource utilization (ISRU).

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Development of KALLISTER

Instead of installing the original rocker-bogie suspension system, KALLISTER will use a

high-speed traversal configuration to travel and adapt to the lunar surface. The total system is

46.3 inches by 96 inches during its original configuration but can switch to its other form when

dealing with an uneven area by rotating the bogie. This traversal system will help the rover

maintain stability. Aluminum-lithium alloys are used in the production of KALLISTER to keep

the system light while still maintaining its strength and obtaining resistance to harsh

temperatures and weather. The chassis will be leading and driving in the rocker-facing direction;

therefore, it will have a greater forward-drive friction coefficient that will reduce the system's

possibilities of getting trapped between two obstacles.

Inspiration for the wheels’ design came from the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) used

during NASA's Apollo missions. The dimensions were modified to be proportional to the current

design. Unlike the LRV's zinc and titanium combination, KALLISTER's wheels are constructed

from nickel-titanium, also known as Nitinol. The wheels will be able to sustain heavier

equipment and absorb the force of the impacts from the lunar surface, also reducing the

vibrations sent throughout the rover. The wheels are connected to the rocker-bogie system, with

each having its motor. 

            To provide electrical power, KALLISTER contains an Advanced Stirling Radioisotope

Generator (ASRG) that turns the heat produced from the plutonium dioxide into electricity while

also using the pistons and helium gas to create an alternating current. Due to its weight of

25.6 kg, as not to imbalance the rover during its movement, the ASRG was placed on the back of

the rover, similar to Mars's Curiosity rover, and with it being as low to the ground without being

able to acquire damages during the rover’s movement. Thus, reducing the center of gravity for
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the rover and maintaining its stability. The ASRG will also power and monitor temperatures for

the other systems and instruments. 

Instruments will be placed on the bottom and front of the rover while collected regolith

will be placed on the top-inside and center of KALLISTER, distributing the weight evenly

throughout the system. Similar to Mars Exploration Rovers (Opportunity and Spirit),

KALLISTER will use a differential gearbox to connect both rockers and the body, helping

stabilize the body and ensure some of the wheels stay grounded when going over obstacles. 

Instruments

Robotic Mechanical Arm and Drill: 

The drill installed on the rover’s hand will be used to drill onto the Moon’s surfaces up to

eight inches deep to recover samples of regolith. The samples will later be collected using

suction on the drill and deposited into a sorting containment at the top of the rover. The other

robotic arm will collect rocks and store them on the side compartments of the rover. Both robotic

arms contain six joints each and constructed of titanium. 

The Near-Infrared Volatiles Spectrometer System (NIRVSS):

NIRVSS will be used to help identify materials on the lunar surface such as ice, minerals,

and hydrogen compounds. The system is composed of three instruments in an all-in-one system.

The infrared spectrometer will be able to detect various components from the soil by the

reflected light from the regolith. The Spectrometer Context Imager takes multi-color images of

the information gathered from the spectrometer, and the longwave calibration sensor will collect

temperature data. 
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Neutron Spectrometer System (NSS):

Since NIRVSS cannot see underground, the NSS will also be installed to KALLISTER.

The NSS detects the neutrons and radiation coming from the Moon and measures the changes

that occur when neutrons collide against one another. The NSS will help KALLISTER map out

traces of hydrogen found up to three feet below the lunar’s surface.

Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS):

The APXS is currently used in rovers, such as Curiosity, to detect and analyze the

composition of rocks and soils using x-rays and alpha particles. The APXS will help create a

map based on the highest composition of elements located in the area. The information will be

collected and sent back to Earth.

Center Contributions 

Most of KALLISTER's testing and programming will occur at the NASA Ames Research

Center located in Mountain View, California. The manufacturing of instruments such as

NIRVSS and the NSS will also be constructed and developed at this center with the assistance of

NASA contributors. This center will also be responsible for KALLISTER’s operations, daily-

task, and landing site. Data collected by KALLISTER will be sent back to this center to be

processed.

Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the Glenn Research Center will construct KALLISTERS’s

wheels, chassis, and the ASRG. This center was one of the many contributors to the LRV and the

development of the shape-memory alloy wheel. Their focus on fission and solar power for

spacecraft will help also help KALLISTER. The Glenn Research Center will be in charge of the

areas KALLISTER travels towards and will test the mechanism while still on Earth.
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Section 2: NOTE: The robotic arm with hand is set at an angle for better visuals. The robotic

component can move, so KALLISTER fits into the spacecraft’s cargo.

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