Space Science :: Space Rovers

Phase 1: Rover Construction

Using the materials provided, construct your initial rover prototype. The basic design will use a rubber band to store potential energy, which transforms into the kinetic energy that moves the rover. 

1. Build the Rover Body: Cut a 15×15 cm piece of cardboard and fold it into thirds.
   
    
2. Create the Axles: Poke holes for a front and back axle. Use a straw for the front axle and a pencil for the back axle.
   
    
3. Attach the Wheels: Cut four 10 cm cardboard circles and tape them to the ends of the axles. For your wheels to spin well, you need to minimize the friction between the axles and the axle holes.
   
    
4. Install the Power System: Create an “axle hook” from a paperclip on the back axle. Attach linked rubber bands from the front of the rover to this hook.
   
    
5. Power Up: Wind the back axle to tighten the rubber band.
   
    

Phase 2: Martian Terrain Test

It’s time to see how your prototype performs. Your testing ground is a simulated Martian landscape. Place your rover at the start line, wind it up, and release! Observe how it performs!

Record your observations:

• Did your rover get stuck? If so, where?
• Did the wheels spin without moving forward? This “spinout” happens when the wheels can’t get a grip, or traction, on the surface.
• How far did your rover travel?

Phase 3: Analyze and Re-Engineer

Real missions can be jeopardized by mechanical issues or wheel failures. Based on your test data, it’s time to improve your design. Discuss with your team what worked and what didn’t.

Engineering Questions:

• Traction Control: If your wheels spun out in the dust or sand, how can you increase traction?
  
  • Could you make the wheels thicker or add more wheels?
  • NASA’s Perseverance rover has wheels made of aluminum with special treads, or grousers, to grip the surface. How could you add “treads” to your cardboard wheels?
  • Would adding weight over the back axle help?

• Wheel Design: The Perseverance’s wheels are larger in diameter than previous rovers. How would making your wheels bigger change your rover’s performance? What about different shapes?
  
   
• Power Management: Was your rover too powerful and uncontrollable? Try adding more rubber bands to the link or cutting the band to create a single strand to reduce tension.
  
   

Modify your rover based on your new ideas. Then, run it through the Martian terrain again to see if your changes resulted in a successful mission!