Monthly Archives: February 2009
Solar Array
Solar Array
This is a graph showing the calculated power output in watts of the solar array, with a 90 degree heading meaning the solar array is pointing directly at the sun. Our current operating power is 120 watts, meaning that the solar array should be sufficient to power the rover in most cases. When necessary, the rover will be able to draw extra power from the batteries.
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| From AstroboticBlogPhotos |
FPGA
FPGA
Our avionics include FPGA control of actuation. This requires development and integration including a lot of software testing. Here is a snippet of the FPGA story.
Data/payload opportunities
Data/payload opportunities
Astrobotic hosted a look inside our enterprise, flight system and data/payload opportunities. This was superb give-and-take with interested parties like NASA, and by members of the Astrobotic Alliance.
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| From AstroboticBlogPhotos |
Operator training
Operator training
Familiarity with operation of Astrobotic’s rover is essential for developing, testing and mission ops. Hundreds of operator hours are required during each lunar surface mission. Thousands of hours of operational testing are required for development. Here is a look at basic training, including several recruits. The photo is composited from four images using the technique intended for delivering panoramas via robot from the moon.
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| From AstroboticBlogPhotos |
Astrobotic Chairman elected to National Academy of Engineering — Honored for pioneering robotics work
The nation’s most prestigious organization of engineering experts today announced the election of Dr. William “Red” Whittaker to its ranks. The National Academy of Engineering honored Dr. Whittaker, the chairman and chief technical officer of Astrobotic Technology Inc., for “pioneering contributions to fielded, mobile, autonomous robots.”
Red Whittaker Honored for Pioneering Robotics Work
Red Whittaker Honored for Pioneering Robotics Work
Red Whittaker is one of 65 new members elected to the National Academy of Engineering. Red received the honor for “pioneering contributions to fielded, mobile, autonomous robots.”
The full release is available here: http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=020620…
