Sun-synchronous exploration is accomplished by reasoning about sunlight: where the Sun is in the sky, where and when shadows will fall, and how much power can be obtained through various courses of action. In July 2001 a solar-powered rover, named Hyperion, completed two sun-synchronous exploration experiments in the Canadian high arctic (75 degrees N). Using knowledge of orbital mechanics, local terrain, and expected power consumption, Hyperion planned a sun-synchronous route to visit designated sites while obtaining the necessary solar power for continuous 24-hour operation. Hyperion executed its plan and returned to its starting location with batteries fully charged after traveling more than 6 kilometers in barren, Mars-analog terrain. We describe the concept of sun-synchronous exploration. We overview the design of the robot Hyperion and the software system that enables it to operate sun-synchronously. We then discuss results from analysis of our first experiment in sun-synchronous exploration and conclude with observations.


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    Title :

    First experiment in sun-synchronous exploration


    Contributors:
    Wettergreen, D. (author) / Dias, B. (author) / Shamah, B. (author) / Teza, J. (author) / Tompkins, P. (author) / Urmson, C. (author) / Wagner, M. (author) / Whittaker, W. (author)


    Publication date :

    2002


    Size :

    7 Seiten, 10 Quellen




    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




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