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MUSES-CN Nanorover Mechanisms
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08/11/2006
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| Alliance pushed the state-of-the-art in developing miniature
mechanisms in its work for NASA’s MUSES CN Nanorover. Alliance’s
innovations for the shoebox-size mini-rover included a 5-gram camera lens
loupe, 25-gram wheels with capacitive sensors, a 0.2-gram shoulder lock
for launch, and a 2.6-gram deployment-release mechanism. Besides the extremely
critical weight requirements, the mechanisms could not impart the slightest
loads back to the rover since the target was an asteroid with minimal gravity. This
design requirement was imposed to safeguard the nanorover against inadvertently
launching itself off the asteroid’s microgravity surface. |
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Last Updated ( 08/20/2006 )
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