Development of the Concept of Intelligent Mobile Platforms for the International Scientific Lunar Station

Abstract

The article analyzes and develops new domestic engineering developments of concepts for the creation of lunar bases and vehicles for their construction and operation. The concept of intelligent mobile platforms (IMP) is proposed, which are unified self-propelled chassis with automatic docking and coupling devices (ADCD) and local navigation subsystems. The IMP self-propelled chassis is equipped with various attachments that determine the purpose and technological characteristics of the vehicle. Such vehicles can be used both as independent lunar rovers with hybrid control and as links in a multifunctional lunar train designed for special operations, including long-distance expeditions of hundreds of kilometers. Based on the NASA-published Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera images, a possible expedition route has been mapped from the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) location in the Malapert massif region to the far side of the Moon, taking into account illumination levels and terrain elevation angles along the entire route. The expedition’s objective is to conduct scientific research along the route, deliver equipment, and deploy an automated ILRS branch—a lunar observatory on the far side of the Moon in the radio-quiet shadow from Earth. Based on theoretical calculations and design-layout development, a preliminary design has been completed, including the IMP technical configuration and its main performance characteristics.