In a post today at IEEE Spectrum, the design for Astrobotic Technology’s entry into the Google Lunar X Prize in revealed. This unique concept is conceived around the idea of surviving the incredible heat of a lunar noon which is 270 degrees F or 130 degrees C. Just how will it accomplish this feat? David Gump, the company's president, gives the details in a feature on the Astrobotic’s website:
The robot beats the heat by keeping a cool side aimed away from the Sun to radiate heat off to the black sky. It travels toward or away from the sun (generally east or west) without turning its radiator into the light. Only the solar cells on the hot side ever face the sun. The robot can travel north and south by tacking like a sailboat.
Photo Credit: Astrobotic Technology
New design overcomes intense lunar heat
For the company vying for the Google Lunar X Prize, it's all about keeping the (robot's) head cool
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Astrobotic Technology Reveals Robot Design To Survive Moon's Extreme Heat
Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:24:12 GMT
