It was unknown whether a lunar rover could be designed, built, tested and operated in Australia to fulfil the mission.
Solution
Nova Systems, as part of the Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE) Consortium, led a Feasibility Study to understand the mission challenges and technical elements of the rover within technical, financial and schedule constraints. Starting with a concept of operations and conceptual architecture for the mission, trade studies and investigations were developed and prioritised, then critical subsystems were identified. In parallel, key project management and engineering artefacts were drafted to support the feasibility assessment of the mission. Through this study, AROSE determined that Australia has all the capabilities, specifically components, subsystems, space qualification testing and skilled workforce available either today or under development to plan, build, test and operate a lunar services rover.
*Image: Artist's Impression of the AROSE consortium lunar rover.