Mobility of a microgravity rover using internal electro-magnetic levitation

A new type of mobility is discussed for space projects such as the MUSES-C aiming at small asteroid exploration. We propose the use of electro-magnetic levitation in order to integrate a mobility into the microgravity rover. The rover has a spherical shape and a smaller spherical shell inside. Four electromagnets are symmetrically located between the outer sphere surface and the inner sphere shell with one end of each directed to the center of the shell. With electromagnetic force of the magnets, a sphere iron ball inside the shell is controlled and levitated. When the rover lifts the ball inside with the electro-magnetic force, the rover is in return pressed down the ground by the reaction force, due to which the rover system not only gains upward momentum for floatation, but also obtains friction that enables its rolling on the ground. The prototype microgravity rover was developed and experimental results indicate effectiveness of the proposed mobility.