NASA’s newest prototype exploration rover has been dubbed Axel–a
name that fits its simple design. Built with minimal complexity, the rover is designed to transverse the toughest of terrain and even rappel off cliffs. It will be equipped with cameras, wireless
communications capabilities, and sensors to operate autonomously, and a “trailing
link”, or lever, for gathering planetary materials.
However, Axel’s design, which includes a deployable tether, is intended
to be part of larger, modular robotic spacecraft that could one day explore
planets like Mars.
The rover, being developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and researchers at the California Institute of Technology, uses only three actuators: one to control each of its two wheels and a third to control the lever. This allows it to operate upside down and right side up, turn in place, and follow difficult paths. The lever has a scoop for gathering scientific data and can adjust its two stereo cameras by as much as 360 degrees.
Axel’s electronics and scientific payload are housed in its cylindrical body. This space also houses a tether that can be unreeled so the rover can descend from a larger spacecraft.
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