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Space Exploration Vehicle
View on Wikipedia| Space Exploration Vehicle | |
|---|---|
Artist's concept of the Space Exploration Vehicle as a wheeled rover on the Moon (left) and as a free-flying spacecraft hovering over an asteroid's surface (circa 2011 design) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | NASA |
| Also called | Lunar Electric Rover |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Rover |
| Doors | 4 |
| Powertrain | |
| Range | 125 km (78 mi) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 4 m (160 in) |
| Length | 4.5 m (180 in) |
| Height | 3 m (118.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 4,000 kg (8,818 lb) |

The Space Exploration Vehicle (SEV) is a modular vehicle concept developed by NASA from 2008 to 2015. It would have consisted of a pressurized cabin that could be mated either with a wheeled chassis to form a rover for planetary surface exploration (on the Moon and elsewhere) or to a flying platform for open space missions such as servicing satellites and missions to near-Earth asteroids.[1] The concept evolved from the Lunar Electric Rover (LER) concept, which in turn was a development of the Small Pressurized Rover (SPR) concept.[2]
Concept vehicles of the Lunar Electric Rover (and later, the SEV) were tested during the Desert Research and Technology Studies in 2008,[2] 2009,[3] 2010[4] and 2011.[5][6][7] One of the LER concept vehicles took part in the presidential inauguration parade of Barack Obama in 2009. The chassis and structural elements of these concept vehicles were fabricated by Off-Road International.[8] Research and testing continued in 2012 in the Johnson Space Center with a mock-up of a free-flying SEV simulating a mission to an asteroid.[9]
Development of the SEV continued, producing variants called the Multi-Mission Space Exploration Vehicle (MMSEV) and in 2013 a cabin for a possible lunar lander called the Alternate MMSEV (AMMSEV).[10]
The SEV was developed together with other projects under the Advanced Explorations Systems Program. The program's budget for FY 2010 was $152.9 million.[11]
Features
[edit]The SEV is the size of a small pickup truck, has 12 wheels, and can house two astronauts for up to two weeks.[12] The SEV consists of a chassis and cabin module.[13] The SEV will allow the attachment of tools such as cranes, cable reels, backhoes and winches.[13] Designed for two occupants, this vehicle is capable of supporting four in an emergency.[13] With wheels that can pivot 360 degrees, the SEV can drive in any direction.[13] Astronauts can enter and exit without space suits directly from an airlock docking hatch, or through a suitport without the need to depressurize the habitat module.[13]
The pressurized module contains a small bathroom with privacy curtains and a shower head producing a water mist for sponge baths.[14] It also contains cabinets for tools, workbench areas and two crew seats that can fold back into beds.[14]
Specifications (2008 design)
[edit]- Speed: 10 km/h (6 mph)
- Range: 125 km (78 mi)
SEV
[edit]
- Mass: 3,000 kg (6,614 lb)
- Payload: 1,000 kg (2,205 lb)
- Length: 4.5 m (180 in)
- Wheelbase: 4 m (160 in)
- Height: 3 m (120 in)
- Wheels: 12 wheels with each at 99 cm (39 in) in diameter, 30.5 cm (12.0 in) wide
Chassis
[edit]- Mass: 1,000 kg (2,205 lb)
- Payload: 3,000 kg (6,614 lb)
- Length: 4.5 m (180 in)
- Wheelbase: 4 m (160 in)
- Height: 1.3 m (51 in)
- Wheels: 12 wheels with each at 99 cm (39 in) in diameter, 30.5 cm (12.0 in) wide
See also
[edit]- Lunar Roving Vehicle, the 1970s Apollo program Moon rover used on Apollo 15, 16, and 17
- Crewed Mars rover
- Mars habitat
References
[edit]- ^ NASA's Space Exploration Vehicle (SEV).
- ^ a b "Three Days in the Desert Tests Lunar "RV"". NASA. December 3, 2008.
- ^ "Desert RATS 2009 14-Day Analog Mission". NASA. November 8, 2010.
- ^ "Desert RATS 2010 Complete 13th Annual Field Test". NASA. April 8, 2011.
- ^ "Desert RATS 2011". NASA. July 8, 2011.
- ^ "Desert RATS 2011: Wrap-up Report". NASA. September 26, 2011.
- ^ "D-RATS Set Sights on Asteroid". NASA. September 30, 2011.
- ^ "Steel Chassis Lets Space Vehicles Traverse Grueling Terrain". Tech Briefs. 1 November 2015. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
- ^ "2012 Research and Technology Studies Resume at JSC". NASA. January 18, 2012.
- ^ Howard, Jr., Robert L. (January 22, 2014). "An Alternate Configuration of the Multi-Mission Space Exploration Vehicle" (PDF). NASA. JSC-CN-30087.
- ^ "NASA's Budget: Advanced Explorations Systems Program". 20 January 2024.
- ^ "NASA's New Lunar Electric Rover (LER)". NASA. Retrieved 2009-09-29.
- ^ a b c d e "Lunar Electric Rover Concept" (PDF). NASA. Retrieved 2009-09-29.
- ^ a b "How Lunar Rovers Work". howstuffworks. 23 February 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-29.
External links
[edit]Space Exploration Vehicle
View on GrokipediaOverview and Development
Concept Origins
The concept of the Space Exploration Vehicle (SEV) originated in the mid-2000s as an evolution of earlier pressurized rover designs developed under NASA's Vision for Space Exploration, announced in 2005, which aimed to return humans to the Moon and prepare for Mars missions by emphasizing sustainable surface mobility systems.[5] This built directly on the Small Pressurized Rover (SPR) concept, proposed around 2005–2007, which envisioned compact, two-person vehicles with enclosed cabins to enable extended lunar traverses without spacesuits during operations, and the Lunar Electric Rover (LER), a battery-powered successor to Apollo-era rovers that incorporated similar pressurized elements for crew protection and efficiency.[6] These precursors addressed the limitations of unpressurized rovers by prioritizing habitability and range, drawing from lessons in the Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle while adapting to the Constellation Program's goals for lunar outpost development.[7] As the Constellation Program progressed from 2005 onward, the SEV concept emerged to support a transition toward flexible exploration architectures capable of serving the Moon, Mars, and other destinations, reflecting NASA's shift from rigid lunar-specific hardware to adaptable systems that could minimize development costs across missions.[8] Introduced in 2007, the initial SEV design philosophy emphasized modularity, allowing a common pressurized cabin to pair with either a wheeled chassis for planetary surfaces or free-flying thrusters for orbital operations, thereby enabling multi-mission versatility without full vehicle redesigns.[6] This approach aligned with the program's emphasis on capability-driven exploration, where shared components could support diverse environments from lunar regolith to Martian terrain.[7] Central to the SEV's foundational goals was enabling prolonged human presence on extraterrestrial surfaces without requiring full spacesuits inside the vehicle, achieved through innovative suitports—rear-entry ports that allowed astronauts to don and doff suits efficiently while maintaining cabin pressure.[9] These features aimed to facilitate multi-destination missions by reducing extravehicular activity fatigue and enhancing productivity during extended excursions, such as geological surveys or habitat setup. Early validation of these ideas occurred through Desert Research and Advanced Technology Studies (Desert RATS) analogs in the late 2000s.[6]Development Timeline
The development of the Space Exploration Vehicle (SEV) originated in 2007 as part of NASA's Constellation program, evolving from the Lunar Electric Rover (LER) concept within NASA's exploration initiatives.[10] A full-scale mockup of the LER made its public debut during President Barack Obama's inauguration parade on January 20, 2009, showcasing the vehicle's potential for pressurized lunar mobility.[11] By 2009, the concept—previously known as the Lunar Electric Rover (LER)—was rebranded as the SEV. In 2010, it was incorporated into NASA's Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Program to advance technologies for human space exploration beyond low Earth orbit.[1] Early testing occurred through Desert Research and Technology Studies (Desert RATS) field exercises, but by 2012, activities shifted to Johnson Space Center facilities for integrated simulations, including a 10-day analog mission evaluating SEV operations in an asteroid exploration scenario.[12][13] In 2013, NASA introduced the Multi-Mission Space Exploration Vehicle (MMSEV) variant to support diverse mission profiles, such as planetary surfaces and near-Earth object reconnaissance, emphasizing a modular pressurized cabin adaptable for both surface and free-flying configurations.[14] The Autonomous/Manned Multi-Mission SEV (AMMSEV) emerged as a related configuration, designed for crew transport and potential integration with lunar lander systems.[7] The SEV program concluded in 2015 after contributing key insights into multi-mission vehicle architectures aligned with NASA's evolving human spaceflight goals.[1]Design Features
Pressurized Cabin
The pressurized cabin of the Space Exploration Vehicle (SEV) serves as the primary habitable module, enabling shirt-sleeve operations for crew members during extended missions.[6] Designed to support two astronauts for up to 14 days, it includes provisions for emergency accommodation of four individuals, allowing for flexible response to mission contingencies.[2][15] Internally, the cabin features compact amenities tailored for long-duration habitation and scientific work. Foldable beds integrated into the crew seats provide sleeping accommodations, while a rear bathroom area with a privacy curtain and shower head supports personal hygiene through sponge baths.[16] Storage solutions include tool cabinets and workbenches for organizing equipment and conducting in-vehicle tasks, alongside a galley area for food preparation and consumption.[16] The cabin's suitport system, located at the rear, facilitates efficient entry and exit for rear-entry spacesuits without requiring donning or doffing inside the vehicle, minimizing contamination and airlock usage.[6][17] This integrates with a compact airlock for object transfer, enhancing operational efficiency during extravehicular activities. Pressurization and environmental control systems draw from spacesuit portable life support technology, providing breathable atmosphere, temperature regulation, and humidity control for comfortable shirt-sleeve conditions.[6] Radiation shielding concepts incorporate a heavily protected structure, including surrounding the airlock with 2.5 cm of frozen water in the surface configuration, to offer up to 72 hours of protection against solar particle events.[6] In the in-space configuration, robotic arms are integrated into the cabin design, allowing crew to manipulate external objects from inside via controls, supporting tasks such as satellite handling or asteroid anchoring.[18] The modular cabin attaches to a chassis for surface missions, enabling rover functionality while maintaining internal habitability.[6]Chassis and Mobility
The chassis of the Space Exploration Vehicle (SEV) features a robust 12-wheel configuration designed to provide stable mobility across extraterrestrial surfaces, enabling the vehicle to navigate challenging terrains on the Moon or Mars. Each wheel is capable of pivoting 360 degrees, allowing omnidirectional driving, including sideways "crab-style" maneuvers to avoid obstacles without repositioning the entire vehicle. This setup draws from precursor designs like the Chariot rover, incorporating an active suspension system to maintain contact with uneven ground and enhance stability in low-gravity conditions.[2][6] The modular chassis architecture permits detachment from the pressurized cabin, facilitating independent operation or reconfiguration for diverse mission needs, such as transporting cargo or integrating additional tools like winches. This separability allows the chassis to be delivered separately or pre-assembled with the cabin, optimizing launch efficiency and adaptability for surface exploration tasks. Cabin attachment points ensure secure integration while preserving the chassis's standalone functionality for uncrewed applications.[6] Electric propulsion is integrated into the chassis via high-energy-density batteries, powering the wheel motors and supporting extended traverses without reliance on constant recharging. Regenerative braking systems capture energy during descents, further enhancing efficiency in planetary environments. While primary reliance is on batteries, conceptual integrations of solar panels have been evaluated as supplementary power sources for prolonged surface operations.[6][19] In free-flyer mode, the chassis adapts for in-space operations by incorporating gaseous hydrogen/oxygen reaction control system (RCS) thrusters, enabling precise maneuvering near asteroids or space stations without the need for surface wheels. This dual-mode capability underscores the chassis's versatility across vacuum and low-gravity settings.[6] Durability is prioritized through materials and structural reinforcements suited to abrasive lunar and Martian regolith, which can cause wear on moving parts, as well as the dynamics of low-gravity locomotion that demand balanced weight distribution to prevent tipping. The active suspension and wide wheel treads distribute loads effectively, minimizing sinkage in loose soils and ensuring reliable performance over rough, regolith-covered landscapes.[6][20]Technical Specifications
Surface Configuration
The surface configuration of the Space Exploration Vehicle (SEV) integrates a pressurized cabin module with a wheeled chassis optimized for planetary surface operations, enabling crewed mobility across extraterrestrial terrains. This variant, established in the 2008 baseline design, emphasizes modularity to support extended exploration while maintaining compatibility with launch constraints. The overall system balances mass, dimensions, and performance to facilitate two-astronaut missions lasting up to 14 days, with provisions for emergency accommodation of four.[21] Key quantitative parameters for the SEV module include a mass of 3,000 kg and a payload capacity of 1,000 kg, allowing for scientific instruments, sample storage, and life support consumables. Dimensions are specified as 4.5 m in length, 4 m wheelbase, and 3 m height, providing a compact footprint suitable for rugged landscapes. The chassis complements this with a payload capacity of 3,000 kg when unburdened by the module, or reduced to 1,000 kg when integrated; its height measures 1.3 m to ensure low center of gravity. These specifications derive from early conceptual studies aimed at lunar and Martian applications.[21][22] Performance metrics for the surface rover include a maximum speed of 10 km/h and an operational range of up to 125 miles (200 km) with multiple vehicles, sufficient for traversing significant distances between exploration sites while relying on onboard propulsion. The chassis features 12 independently driven wheels, each approximately 1 m in diameter, with pivoting capabilities to enhance terrain handling and enable omnidirectional movement. Power for the system is provided by lithium-ion batteries offering a specific energy of 125 Wh/kg in the baseline configuration, with energy storage scaled to support daily traverses of about 20 km; advanced iterations targeted 200 Wh/kg for flight readiness, supplemented by deployable solar arrays for recharging during stationary periods. No specific continuous power output in kW was detailed in the 2008 parameters, but the system prioritizes efficient management of hotel loads for avionics and life support.[2][20][1]| Component | Mass (kg) | Payload Capacity (kg) | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEV Module | 3,000 | 1,000 | Length: 4.5 m Wheelbase: 4 m Height: 3 m |
| Chassis | - | 3,000 (solo) 1,000 (with module) | Height: 1.3 m |