Problem

Mars rovers encounter problems in 2 main areas: Locomotion and Mission Operations.

Current exploration missions on Mars:

• Take a long time to cover a significant distance
• Are designed to avoid going in to wind storms
• Solar power generation impacted by dust storms
• Require extensive planning - not fully autonomous

For locomotion, wheels on Mars:

• Become stuck in sand
• Can be damaged by rocks
• Require intensive path planning

For locomotion, aerial approaches (eg, Ingenuity):

• Have limited payload capability
• Unstable for precise surface operations
• First iteration of technology being proven

Requirements

From this problem, a list of requirements were made:

• Move without requiring primarily electrically driven propulsion
• Travel longer distances
• Carry scientific payloads for sampling dust storms concentration
• Final system assembly possible by astronauts with gloves
• Reduce likelihood of becoming stuck on obstacles
• Passively navigate

Bio-Inspiration

Tumbleweeds and Maple Seed Pods were referenced for bio-inspiration

Design Inspiration

Strandbeest, Zephyr, and Makani were referenced for design inspiration

Human Exploration Application

• The MWTR would assist when colonies of habitats are established in a nomadic style (in the future)
• On the ground prospecting combined with data from orbiters
• Efficient method of exploration that does not need as much day to day mission planning
• Continue to operate in wind storm conditions

Engineering Objectives

• Determine feasibility of wind propulsion for planetary rovers
• Gather data relation between sail surface area, wind speed, distance, and time by conducting Field Tests
• Observe how this design handles obstacles, obtrusions, and steering