Mobile Lunar Assests (Analogue Lunar Mobile Agents)

Opportunity: The need exists to automate mundane and repetitive tasks to technology and robots that are autonomous and supportive of life at a Moonbase. Both "drone" rovers (which do a few things well, albeit automated) and more intelligent assests are needed. These assests may be used on Lunar Surface Excursions or in unplanned EVA's require special technical support.

Design Challenge: Without a NASA contact, create a Mobile Lunar Asset (MLA) which is based upon the Mobile Agents technology and philosophy which can perform two automated functions that support activities at a Moonbase.

Design Specifications:

1. The MLA must perform two functions essential to life at a Moonbase.
2. The MLA must be mobile and able to maneuver on Lunar analogue surfaces (and return to the MDRS habitat).
3. The MLA must have a minimum 3 hours of battery life.
4. The MLA must receive power from a minimum of 2 sources.
5. The MLA must be able to communicate to the MDRS habitat's main wireless network (this will limit the range).
6. The MLA must be able to store simple data, such as webcam data, route taken to destination, and payload status.
7. The MLA must be able to accept voice commands from an internet terminal (via Dragon Naturally Speaking).
8. The MLA must be easily assembled and easily disassembled.

Design Questions:

1. Is the Mobile Agents Architecture appropriate for Lunar activities?
2. Can the Mobile Agents Architecture be tested at the future Moonbase Prototype?
3. What alternative exist to the Mobile Agents Architecture?
4. Can MLA's be used to drill, tunnel, or excavate?
5. Can MLA's be used for harvesting Lunar oxygen?
6. Can MLA's be used for production or manufacturing in unpressurized areas?

Design Challenge Overview: In 4 hours, we were able to assemble "Maxxine" a Mobile Lunar Asset; however, she was not able to complete the primary design challenge. After a fire, twelve exhausting days of simulation, and one beer, the design challenge was over.

Limitations: This was an unplanned scientific activity for Artemis Moonbase Simulation One. The "Design Challenge" concept is a tool used to stimulate crews and break the monotony of long-term planetary missions. We commend the work of Crews 16, 29, and 38. We look forward to seeing their ERA's in action later this season. Intermittent wireless internet connection, poor soil traction, and limited power sources were the largest limitations to the rapid development and deployment of a Mobile Lunar Asset.

Recommendations for future Moonbases:

1. Develop future "Design Challenges" that divide the functions of the Mobile Lunar Asset into categories for contests for middle and high school aged students.
2. Seek university and academic support and sponsorship for a Mobile Lunar Assests program.
3. Integrate MLA's into all Lunar Surface Excursion at the a future Moonbase Prototype.