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Jet Propulsion Laboratory

JPL MarsYard

JPL MarsYard
JPL MarsYard
  • A simulated Martian landscape used to test different robotic prototypes
  • JPL Mars Yard III
  • Atmospheric (outdoor)
  • Test area is 21m x 22m
  • Variety of terrain arrangements
  • Soil and Rocks
    • Soil is a combination of beach sand, decomposed granite, brick dust, and volcanic cinders.
    • The rocks are several types of basalts, including fine-grained and vesicular, both in red and black.
    • Rock-size distributions are selected to match those seen on Mars. Lightweight and easy to move.
  • Adjacent to the outdoor test area are trailers housing researchers, computers, measuring equipment, and storage areas for the vehicles. Above the test area is a viewing platform for visitors, where activities may be watched without interference
  • POC: Carlos Soares

JPL Planetary Robotics Laboratory

JPL Planetary Robotics Laboratory
JPL Planetary Robotics Laboratory
  • The Planetary Robotics Laboratory (PRL) is a facility for rapid prototyping of advanced robotic systems. Algorithm research concentrates on the control of limbed robots for in-space construction operations, and the coordination of multiple cooperating heterogeneous rovers for surface operations.
  • The PRL also maintains facilities for effective testing of these systems in simulated natural terrain, such as loose, rocky soil and steep cliffs.
  • Current and past efforts associated with this facility include:
    • FIDO rover, for Mars technology development and mission rehearsals.
    • SRR rovers for sample return, robot work crews, and steep-terrain descent.
    • LEMUR limbed robots for walking and manipulation activities.
  • The PRL facility has 1500 square feet of floor space dedicated to the assembly, integration and testing of mechanical and electronic subsystems. An additional 1500 square feet contains two large sand pits for indoor testing.
  • POC: Carlos Soares

Two JPL "Dirty" Vacuum Chambers

  • "Dirty" vacuum chamber in the JPL Environmental Test Laboratory (ETL)
  • "Dirty" vacuum chamber in the JPL Materials Lab
  • ~2 m chambers
  • Used for any project that will get dirty
    • E.g. simulants, high off-gassing materials
  • POC: Carlos Soares

JPL Flow Cell

JPL Flow Cell
JPL Flow Cell
  • Used to test particle adhesion and detachment under Mars conditions in support of physics-based modeling
  • Joint asset between Contamination Control Group and the Analytical Chemistry Group
  • POC: Carlos Soares

JPL Centrifuge

JPL Centrifuge
JPL Centrifuge
  • Used to test particle adhesion and detachment under Mars conditions in support of physics-based modeling.
  • Joint asset between Contamination Control Group and the Analytical Chemistry Group
  • POC: Carlos Soares

JPL Dynamitron Facility

JPL Dynamitron facility particle accelerator
JPL Dynamitron facility particle accelerator
  • Linear accelerator for electron beam radiation/material charging effect testing facility
  • 3 MeV electron source
  • Can support Lunar Dust Testing
    • Used in the past for displacement damage in solar cells, ionization in electronic devices, discoloration of cover glasses and other coatings, spacecraft charging,
  • Beam and Chamber Characteristics
    • Energy = 0.5 – 2.5 MeV
    • Depth-dose verified to ISO/ASTM 51649
    • Electron Flux = 108 – 1012 e/cm2 /s
    • 2 available beamlines to accommodate various configurations
    • Uniform Irradiation area (5% of Max): 6x6” in.
    • Temperature capability: - 180 to +150 oC
    • Environment: vacuum or air
    • Electrical and optical access to chamber available
    • Heritage systems have been integrated with automated monitoring of flux, fluence, temperature, and vacuum
  • POC: Terry Hendricks

JPL Low Temperature Laboratories

  • Multiple clean thermal/vacuum chambers for plasma work.
  • Can support Lunar Dust Testing
  • POC: Terry Hendricks