Navigation / Power Source

The navigation system is one of the most crucial parts on the robot. Since the spacecraft’s main focus is to survive on a lunar night, it is extremely essential for the robot to find the warmest area to operate.  The robot will use sonar, which is used to calculate distance, light, which is used to measure light, and touch sensors, which senses the surrounding area by bumping into them, to efficiently navigate across the lunar surface. The sensors share energy with motors. In addition to the various navigational aids in the robot, the robot will also have a communication system. This communication system allows human input to be used in an emergency. We will have radio transmitters that enable us to send messages and commands to the robot to aid the spacecraft if necessary. The radio transmitter’s main function is to act as an insurance that can prevent the robot’s sensors from malfunctioning, which might lead to a total destruction of the robot

The robot will have two main energy supplies. One, our main power supply, is the nuclear power supply. Nuclear power is efficient and can last for a long period of time. Thus, the spacecraft will use nuclear power as a main energy source [4]. The other power supply is the heat power supply. Most people do not know about the heat power supply, since it is not really common. The heat power supply will be used to keep the robot warm and, with the excess heat, to create extra energy that can help power our robot [5]. Since the nuclear power supply is very fragile and dangerous, it will be placed in the core of the robot. The placement of the power supply will prevent any explosion that might cause a disaster. It will be placed in the core of the robot, so there will be less shock that might shake the nuclear power supply. The heat power supply will be placed near the electric motor. Since the electric motor can create heat through friction, the heat power supply will be able to generate energy that can help run the robot. These two power supplies will be able to support one another. This will be able to prevent a power failure that might cause us the competition.