Proposed Solution Description — Rock and Roll with NASA Challenge
The lunar wheel developed for the “Rock and Roll with NASA” challenge was designed to overcome the extreme conditions of the lunar environment, providing maximum traction efficiency, durability, and compliance at high speeds to ensure the success of missions with the MicroChariot Rover. The project is based on decades of advanced knowledge in materials and planetary mobility system mechanics.
Structure and Modularity
The wheel features a segmented architecture composed of outer and inner rims, flexible spokes (wheel flexures), a stiffening ring, and a tread band with helical grousers and chevrons to maximize traction on regolith. The modules are easily replaceable, allowing field maintenance and scalability for different rover sizes.
Innovative Materials
Material selection prioritizes high strength, lightness, and proven performance in vacuum and lunar environments:
Nitinol: Used in flexures and reinforcement rings, offering shape memory to absorb repeated impacts without permanent deformation.
Carbon/SiC Composite: Main structure and tread band, providing lightness and high mechanical and thermal strength.
Silica aerogel reinforced with graphene: Thermal insulation between -200 °C and +120 °C, essential for protecting internal components.
Space-grade elastomers: Compliance layers for energy dissipation and resistance to thermal fatigue.
Compliance and Traction
The integrated structural flexion system absorbs vibrations and impacts, reducing the risk of premature failure at speeds up to 24 km/h. The geometry of the grousers, inspired by natural micro-claws, and the chevrons, enable optimized traction on the lunar surface, slopes, and abrasive dust, minimizing slippage and regolith accumulation.
MicroChariot Interface and Integration
The mechanical interface is fully compatible with the MicroChariot, including quick couplings, safe torque transmission, and integrated odometry sensors for autonomous navigation. The design also allows for quick assembly/disassembly for swaps or maintenance in the lunar field.
Simulation, Testing, and Scientific Justification
The concept has been validated using FEA (Finite Element Analysis) simulations to assess multiaxial fatigue, thermal deformation, and impact response. Laboratory tests on an artificial regolith track and in a thermal/vacuum chamber are planned for the next phase. The design integrates sensors to demonstrate mechanical, thermal, and traction performance during real trials.
Scalability and Sustainability
The architecture allows easy adaptation for other lunar platforms or future missions without deep reengineering. All materials and processes comply with the latest NASA aerospace and environmental specifications.
Expected Impact
Significant mass reduction and increase in operational lifetime.
Autonomous adaptation to different types of terrain without performance loss.
Possibility of active monitoring and remote diagnostics via embedded sensors.
This solution is believed to fully meet all challenge requirements, representing a robust innovation for the next generation of lunar mobility.
