CSA redesign of the Mobile Robotics Test-bed (MRT)

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Mobile Robotics Test-bed (MRT) underwent a major redesign during the Winter 2009. This paper reports on the mechatronics design of the rover. Two rugged laptops are integrated onto the redesigned rover along with an infrared camera and three network devices. A custom-made mechanism is developed in order to move out of the LIght Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) field of view the rover antenna during the scan. A custom-designed bumper module is also developed. Finally a proof of concept prototype is provided. The redesigned rover was controlled from the International Space Station (ISS) during the operations of the Avatar EXPLORE Mission that took place in the Summer 2009.