WT Woodson Robotics 08-0245

To utilize the most out of planetary alignment, the launch will be during summer to utilize the sun’s gravitational field.  According to the Apollo Program, the average journey toward the moon takes about three days so the date and time of launch have to coincide within this period of time.  With considerations to these two statements, the moon’s position has to be at a certain location within its orbit around Earth that will allow the space shuttle to propel toward the moon.  This takes into consideration the movement of the moon along its orbit while the space shuttle is traveling so calculations will be made to prepare a path for the shuttle so both it and the moon will reach the position at the same time.
With reference to the kinematic equations, if the shuttle is to travel at a reasonable velocity parallel to the Earth’s surface to adjust direction toward the moon, it has to be at a certain height.  Values collected included the Sputnik satellite which roughly traveled at 18,000 mph (about 29,000 km/hr).  We also have to conserve fuel while traveling to the moon for any readjustments.  In space, there is no friction and little acceleration due to the moon and Earth and we’ll use that fact to stop any excessive fuel usage and guide the container with the module toward the side of the moon to allow time for separation and landing.
Also to consider while exiting the Earth’s atmosphere is the material the shuttle and even the robot and its container is composed of.  The range of temperatures along the whole journey can go has high as 250˚ F (121˚ C) and as low as -240˚ F (-151˚ C).  The shuttle has to be constructed to tolerate all the temperatures with respect to material used and the structure.  Although the contents inside the shuttle will not experience the full heat or cold, some tolerant material needs to protect the fragile equipment.
Our robot in a reinforced container will land on the moon at a location where the sunlight will reach in two to three hours.  This will allow us to utilize as much sunlight as possible once there it is “sunrise” on the moon while keeping energy consumption at a minimum, using the sunlight as the light source.
On topic of landing on the moon from space, the shuttle has to approach the moon at a tangent so it has the most time and distance to utilize.
With respect to the landing scenario, there will be combination of a rocket guidance system and a set of miniature blimps, similar to the same system as the space module that landed on Mars.  Though the idea of parachutes was considered, it was not accepted as part of the landing craft since the parachutes only slow down freefall objects if there is atmosphere, which the moon lacks.  The blimps will serve as shock absorbers.  It will fall to the surface at a reasonable velocity and will be cushioned when it impacts the moon and every bounce after that.  The rocket guidance system will adjust the position of the container while airborne so it is upright when it finally and definitively stops.[1]