Day 2 - First EVAs

Extra-Vehicular Activity

Tasks that are aimed at simulating the tasks they would need to be completed beyond the confines of a vehicle or habitat on the Moon, Mars or International Space Station.

These simulations are aiming to provide researchers with an insight into the way individuals on the mission respond to different stimulus throughout the simulated activity. On the mission photographed below the "astronauts" were given a set of specific instructions to follow that included collecting rock samples. The instructions were given via radio by a geologist who, in this EVA, followed the astronauts. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV or drone) was used to document the EVA, but also to direct the astronauts to observe objects of interest that the astronauts were within range of.

Screen display from UAV camera

UAV controller

 Geologist, Jon Clarke, Astronauts, Rover and UAV during the EVA.

Rover, Astronauts and UAV

Today was also an opportunity for me to learn about the standardised tests being conducted by Murdoch University on the Rovers that have been brought to Arkaroola. The standardised tests were developed by the National Institute for Standards and Technology in the United States. These tests are usually used to on emergency response rovers and include tests that aim to determine how well the rovers travel over uneven ground, how much weight they can pull on a sled and how well their cameras are able to focus on specific points. The standardised tests are the first of their kind and were only released for use in April this year. This will be one of the first times they are used. Each standardised test includes specific instructions on how to set up each test and what equipment must be used. The tests are designed to provide an accurate comparison of vehicles despite differing locations and environments. Graham, from Murdoch University, as developed additional standardised tests to provide feedback on the suitability of these rovers for space exploration purposes. He has developed a test which requires the rovers to find a missing astronaut and deliver a means of communication.. He has also a test that is designed to test the rovers over very rocky terrain, such as that located on Mars. This makes Arkaroola the ideal test area! I would like to talk to my students about these standardised tests and the efforts taken to control variables.

http://www.nist.gov/el/isd/ms/robottestmethods.cfm

Each of the participating rover teams were required to give specific information on their rover. This information is used for data collection and statistical analysis purposes as well as to assist in future classification of the rovers. The data collected included the weight and dimensions of the rover, type of battery, type and number of cameras, number of wheels, types of senses on the rover and the program used to operate the rover.

The rovers present are from the UNSW, Murdoch University, Mars Society of Australia and the Mars Society of India.