College - Author 1

College of Engineering

Department - Author 1

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 2

College of Engineering

Department - Author 2

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 2

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 3

College of Engineering

Department - Author 3

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 3

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 4

College of Engineering

Department - Author 4

General Engineering Department

Degree - Author 4

BS in General Engineering

Date

6-2022

Primary Advisor

Karla Carichner, College of Engineering, Materials Engineering Department

Abstract/Summary

This project focused on designing, building, and testing a functional prototype of a collapsible solar array on the mini Mars rover being developed by client and sponsor, Mr. Rich Murray. Although many previous collapsible solar arrays have been deployed for space missions, the previous solar-powered Mars rovers only deployed their arrays once upon landing. This solar array will be able to collapse and deploy multiple times to allow for greater rover mobility and stability when the rover is not charging. This system is critical to the success of the rover project because it provides power without which the rover cannot take measurements, collect samples, or move on the Martian surface.

This report outlines the major accomplishments of the project, how the funds from the Baker/Koob Endowment were used to meet the project goals, and the conclusions from the team reflecting on the project’s impact to each member’s learning and career development. For a detailed description of the design process, see the project’s Final Design Report, found on the Cal Poly Digital Commons under the title ‘Solar Solution for Mini-Rover’.

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