HAVE WE LEARNED ENOUGH?

What exactly are the substances on the moon surface is still a crux for us. We have rock and dust samples from the American Space Program (~381 kg) and from the Soviet missions (~300 g). There are also fallen lunar asteroids on the Earth but still our information is not enough for solid statements and we can be mislaid.

To achieve quality examination we have to take many probes from the dust, topsoil, middle layer and on deeper probe. From larger and different areas. That makes the task intricate. The methods used can not build an effective enough system. It will cost a huge amount of resources and time to obtain wide acreage.

The main issue for our observation is the moon dust - it’s extremely sharp and abrasive. Except the depreciation on the tech, the moon dust can contaminate our samples.

MINING THE MOON

Our goal is to amplify the robotic system, with a lot of mining places. If we are not careful enough, our moves can cause the moon dust to enter in the atmosphere. From Earth experience we know that every move has it’s cost and we should be thinking for long term missions non-destructively.

How we will do it?

The first level will be implemented by many light reconnaissance robots, which provide probe surface spectral analysis in real-time.

The information received will be sent to the on-board computer of the station using online communication and, in the end, with the correction of the astronauts, valuable probes will be selected.

Then, a large and multi-functional robot that implements the second level of probe analysis will further explore locations showing valuable probes. Only the probes obtained during the second level will be further sent to the Earth.

The idea offers a mining system that is more efficient than conventional rovers. We can have many mini robots and only a few large mining robots with more power, and they will charge their batteries at our lunar station.

Two Level system benefits

• Efficiency: In Level One Scout robots are sent to explore the Moon. Covering large area and taking many probes from different places simultaneously. Utilizing variety of tools Scouts can detect Helium 3 or undiscovered element as they set flags on the exact map coordinates. All data collected by the scouts is sent back to the control base.
  
• Reliability: With sampling large number of probes we can not only use the data to discover, confirm our expectations, find unusual patterns or improve our technology. We can also sort and mark the most precious materials and prepare Level Two. Where mining robot will return to place to collect selected samples and rocks to be brought on Earth for further examination and study.
• Reconfigurability: Although robots have the necessary sensors and equipment to run and measure by themselves, they serve the human. We can setup parameters, preprogram robot’s path and give it new tasks using wireless communication.

OUR IMPLEMENTATION

scout robots EXAMINE THE MOON

White track with black lines respresenting moon surface area where scout robots are sent to explore. The robots are sent to coordinates on the track performing actions simulating taking probes. In our track scouts flag places to explore when they see black marker under their sensor meaning they have found interesting probe.

miners

Level Two starts after command center analyse the data and optimise the road to the flagged spots. Using MQTT (machine-to-machine connectivity protocol) instructions are sent to the Miner. The robot navigates using sensors and following the black line. On crossroads it figures out the right way based on the recieved instructions and current crossroad index. The Miner is guided to take a container, go to the marked spot(s) and collect rocks to then return to the command center.

IN CONCLUSION

The method proposed here can increase efficiency by sending only valuable samples and, therefore, can have a huge impact on our technological progress - new energy sources and better materials.

Check our presentation: Here