CADRE (Cooperative Autonomous Distributed Robotic Exploration)

The CADRE (Cooperative Autonomous Distributed Robotic Exploration) mission, scheduled for launch to the Moon in 2024, will demonstrate the use of a networked trio of robotic rovers to autonomously map a region of the lunar subsurface. Motiv collaborated with JPL to define and implement the robotic configuration of the vehicle. Specifically, Motiv developed and delivered the electro-mechanical motion control content for the lander deployment system, mobility system, numerous instrument and power generation system deployments, and a novel lightweight rover chassis. During the mission, the three rovers will autonomously locate themselves away from the base station and spend a lunar day (14 Earth days) using ground-penetrating radar to build a 3D map of their specific area. The rovers will communicate with one another and with Earth through the base station via a mesh network, all without input from controllers on Earth. Motiv’s role included developing the system architecture for the rover vehicles, rover deployment system, and lander-mounted base station. They evolved conceptual designs into final flight designs and deliverables, including rover motor control boards and mobility actuators, rover enclosure structure and deployment mechanisms, full system deployer mechanism assemblies, and base station structural components. Motiv also developed custom motion control avionics for the rovers’ autonomous operation and flight mechanisms such as the camera cover, solar panel hinges, mobility actuators, lander interfaces, and a tether spool assembly.