Lunar Rover

Expeditionary Architecture Vehicle

The EXP-Arch project is a mobile architecture capable of meeting a many space missions. The EXP-Arch proposes self-mobilizing, transformable systems combining robotics, inflatable and foldable lightweight structures, intelligent materials, and highly autonomous systems to revolutionize human and machine space exploration.

EXP-Arch, offers a radical departure from conventional, evolutionary space systems mission planning. EXP-Arch proposes a convoy of rovers / habitats capable of supporting a crew of eight.

My involvement in this project was as a designer for the firm Trotti & Associates

The Rover was designed with 8 independent legs to allow it to navigate around the rugged lunar terrain.

The legs would also fully extend or open completely to allow the astronauts to board and exit the rover.

This vehicle was thought out for extended lunar exploration. To achieve this there are 2two main concerns. One is adequate living space for the astronauts to be able to last extended periods of time away of the main base. Second is a way of protecting against radiation bursts.

This rover was equipped with an inflatable space that would increase the inner living space so that astronauts could embark in long term exploration of the moon.

The inflatable structure was to be able to interconnect with another rover to create an even larger living space.

The second major idea of this rover was a way to protect the astronauts during radiation bursts. The best way to do this is currently to create a habitat deep under the lunar surface where the crew is protected.

First a big hole was created, probably through explosives, so that the rover could be parked right over the hole.

The rover would then lower a second inflatable space that would house the crew for the few days needed to wait the storm.