NASA's Desert 'Rats' Take on Harsh Mobility Challenges

Michael Braukus
Headquarters, Washington August 30, 2005
(Phone: 202/358-1979)

Kelly Humphries
Johnson Space Center, Houston
(Phone: 281/483-5111)

Sallie Keith
Glenn Research Center, Cleveland
(Phone: 216/433-5795)

RELEASE: 05-238

NASA'S DESERT "RATS" TAKE ON HARSH MOBILITY CHALLENGES

Meaningful exploration in the hostile environs of the moon
and Mars will depend on mobility. Tough, dependable equipment
will be needed to get there, work there and get back safely.

NASA's Desert Research and Technology Studies (RATS)
"torment" some of the latest vehicles and gear in the harsh
world of Arizona's high desert. Their job is to better
understand just what it takes to be mobile in a rough,
unforgiving environment.

The eighth consecutive season for Desert RATS includes
several firsts: the first simultaneous desert trials of two
space-suited explorers; first desert trials of a new crew
operations utility rover; and the first trial of a system to
recharge air tanks while in use. The tests run Sept. 6 to 15
at remote field-sites outside Flagstaff, Ariz.

"NASA's future involves returning humans to the moon and
then to Mars. Field work will be the basic method of
operation on these planetary surfaces," said Joe Kosmo of
NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC), Houston. He leads the
study team. "Field testing prepares and provides a
high-fidelity hands-on experience base for engineers and
scientists to better design and operate the emerging
technologies for planetary surface systems," he added.

The Desert RATS team includes engineers and scientists from
JSC and NASA's Glenn (GRC) and Ames Research Centers in
Cleveland and Moffett Field, Calif. NASA team members work
with experts from industry and academia during the test
cycle.

Test objectives include humans and robots working together
on tasks supported by a variety of advanced space-suit
prototypes; field assistant support vehicles; and science
equipment. Long-distance support and coordination is
provided by the Mission Operations Exploration Planning and
Operations Center in Houston. Another integral element will
be satellite-link webcasts with selected NASA Explorer
Schools through NASA's Digital Learning Network.

Examples of test equipment:

-- An advanced "on the space suit" computer-based
communications and information system. It integrates
procedures-planning operations; an array microphone system
for voice command and control of robotic assistant vehicles;
a visual heads-up display for mapping and route planning;
and life support data.

-- Redesigned and upgraded liquid-air backpack systems
featuring "breathe-while-recharging" features; an emergency
recharge way station to support a walk-back return of
space-suited crewmembers whose rover is disabled.

-- Planetary rover technology test bed. The Science Crew
Operations Utility Transport (SCOUT) allows onboard,
teleoperation and autonomous operation modes.

-- A tele-operated robotic support vehicle, "MATILDA,"
serving as a visual assistant pathfinder for traverse
planning and robotic, non-contamination sample retrieval.

To observe tests on either Sept. 8 or 13, reporters must
contact the JSC Newsroom at: 281/483-5111, or the GRC
Newsroom at: 216/433-2901, by 6 p.m. EDT, Sept. 6 for
credentials. An open house for the public is planned for
Sept. 16.

For information about NASA and agency programs on the
Internet, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/home/index.html

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