A multi-purpose planet planetary exploration rover is provided in this invention, which relates to the field of planet exploration. The multi-purpose planetary exploration rover includes a case body, mounted with a first wheel at left and right sides respectively; and a cantilever, having a front end connected to the case body, a rear end of the cantilever being mounted with a second wheel; wherein the cantilever is rotated or fixed relative to the case body, the second wheel is steered relative to the cantilever, and the first wheel and the second wheel are used to drive the multi-purpose planetary exploration rover. Compared with the prior art, the multi-purpose planetary exploration rover of this invention can effectively explore special geographic locations such as cliffs, volcanic craters, craters and lava caves on alien planets.

An apparatus, system and method are provided for launching, deploying and moving mobility platforms used to produce a three-dimensional product using additive printing. The product, or object, is made by collecting materials in-situ at an off-Earth celestial body. A sintering apparatus, such as a laser, is used to consolidate the planetary regrowth into a solid object. The apparatus can receive power, and can apply heat to assist in the consolidation process. The apparatus is moveable to the build site, and includes a print head having a collector for receiving collected materials, a conditioner for sintering and heating the collected materials, and an extruder, specifically a slip form opening in which the materials can be dispersed over the surface of the extraterrestrial body where the powder form of the conditioned materials are sintered, fused, or consolidated into a hard solid bead of material.

An apparatus, system and method are provided for launching, deploying and moving mobility platforms used to produce a three-dimensional product using additive printing. The product, or object, is made by collecting materials in-situ at an off-Earth celestial body. A sintering apparatus, such as a laser, is used to consolidate the planetary regrowth into a solid object. The apparatus can receive power, and can apply heat to assist in the consolidation process. The apparatus is moveable to the build site, and includes a print head having a collector for receiving collected materials, a conditioner for sintering and heating the collected materials, and an extruder, specifically a slip form opening in which the materials can be dispersed over the surface of the extraterrestrial body where the powder form of the conditioned materials are sintered, fused, or consolidated into a hard solid bead of material.

A rover can include a spherical shall and an avionics hub. The spherical shell defines a spherical volume and having an inner surface and an outer surface. The avionics hub is disposed within the spherical volume. The avionics hub includes an avionics shell, a data acquisition unit, and a plurality of motortrain assemblies. The avionics shell is disposed with the spherical volume of the spherical shell. The data acquisition unit is disposed within the avionics shell. Each motortrain assembly includes a motorized wheel extending at least partially through the avionics shell and in contact with the inner surface of the spherical shell, the plurality of motortrain assemblies configured to rotate the spherical shell relative to the avionics shell to move the rover.

A thermoelectric cooler including a thermoelectric junction and a radiation source. The thermoelectric cooler includes n-type material, p-type material, and an electrical power source. The radiation source emits ionizing radiation that increases electrical conductivity of the n and p type materials. Also detailed is a method of using radiation to reach high coefficient of performance (COP) values with a thermoelectric cooler that includes providing a thermoelectric cooler and a radiation source, with the thermoelectric cooler including an n-type material, p-type material, an electrical power source, and emitting ionizing radiation with the radiation source to increase the electrical conductivity which strips electrons from the n-type material, the p-type material, or both the n-type material and p-type material from their nuclei with the electrons then free to move within the material.

A four-wheeled articulated steering vehicle for terrain exploration. The four-wheeled articulated steering vehicle has a pair of robotic tethered two-wheel vehicles that dock, lock, and drive long distances as the four-wheeled, articulated steering vehicle. Two actuated docking mechanisms attached on opposite ends of a central module of the four-wheeled vehicle enable “sit/stand” functionality. The “sit” configuration is achieved by aligning each dock mechanism parallel or nearly parallel to the surface, allowing two-wheel vehicle to detach and explore while the other remains docked and serves as a backup. While ‘sitting’, the central module rests on the ground and is outfitted with shovel-style wedges for passive anchoring. In order to “stand”, the exploring two-wheel vehicle reattaches, locks, and both dock mechanisms are rotated until each two-wheel vehicle's caster arm is upright and the central module is lifted off the ground. Once upright, each two-wheel vehicle rotates about a pivot point for articulated, all-wheel steering, which is accomplished by applying differential wheel torques.

A four-wheeled articulated steering vehicle for terrain exploration. The four-wheeled articulated steering vehicle has a pair of robotic tethered two-wheel vehicles that dock, lock, and drive long distances as the four-wheeled, articulated steering vehicle. Two actuated docking mechanisms attached on opposite ends of a central module of the four-wheeled vehicle enable “sit/stand” functionality. The “sit” configuration is achieved by aligning each dock mechanism parallel or nearly parallel to the surface, allowing two-wheel vehicle to detach and explore while the other remains docked and serves as a backup. While ‘sitting’, the central module rests on the ground and is outfitted with shovel-style wedges for passive anchoring. In order to “stand”, the exploring two-wheel vehicle reattaches, locks, and both dock mechanisms are rotated until each two-wheel vehicle's caster arm is upright and the central module is lifted off the ground. Once upright, each two-wheel vehicle rotates about a pivot point for articulated, all-wheel steering, which is accomplished by applying differential wheel torques.

An energy absorption system, for absorbing an impact energy imparted to a subject upon landing on a surface, includes a mass containment vessel fixed to the subject and a plurality of electromagnets disposed at fixed positions relative to the mass containment vessel. The mass containment vessel may contain one or more mass elements movably disposed therein. A controller may be configured to charge one or more of the electromagnets upon an impact of the subject with the surface to move the mass element(s) toward the surface by electromagnetic force. Alternatively, the energy absorption system may include a pulley system operable to mechanically move one or more mass elements along an axis, a multi-axis joint connecting the pulley system to the subject, and a controller configured to operate the pulley system upon an impact of the subject with the surface to mechanically move the mass element(s) toward the surface.

Systems and apparatus are disclosed for mining the permafrost at the landing sites using radiant gas dynamic mining procedures. The systems can comprise a rover vehicle with an integrated large area dome for cryotrapping gases released from the surface and multi-wavelength radiant heating systems to provide adjustable heating as a function of depth. Various antenna arrays and configurations are disclosed, some of which can cooperate for a specific aiming or targeting effect.

This invention is a continuum of enabling technology applying prior patent applications to create and then sustain a planetary heavy construction, soil and water mining and refining using a nuclear power appliances infrastructure. The methods used within this invention provide capabilities to build a sustainable support environment for earth-like habitable complexes that will include buildings and maintenance facilities, living spaces, and office spaces focused on full scale commercial mining operations for He3, H.sub.2O and other strategic minerals and raw building materials.