Systems and methods are provided for providing stability support. The system may include a movable foundation that moves on a surface, and a base rotatably mounted to the movable foundation. A leveling platform may be adjustably mounted to the base and can pivot around a pivoting axis intersecting the base. A control arm connects the leveling platform and the base, and can effect the pivoting of the leveling platform by adjusting the length of the control arm. An alternative system may include a supporting scaffold that is adjustably connected to a movable foundation by at least three control arms. The at least three control arms can change length such that an angle of the supporting scaffold from the movable foundation changes.

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.

A control device includes a computation section that computes information related to an effect of radiation received by a rover based on error information of a processing device provided to the rover, and a control section that performs control so as to reduce the effect of radiation received by the rover based on the information related to an effect of radiation computed by the computation section.

A control device includes a computation section that computes information related to an effect of radiation received by a rover based on error information of a processing device provided to the rover, and a control section that performs control so as to reduce the effect of radiation received by the rover based on the information related to an effect of radiation computed by the computation section.

A control device includes a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to acquire a status of each of a plurality of power distribution pathways provided at a moving body, and select a power distribution pathway having low resistance from among the plurality of power distribution pathways based on the acquired status, and cause power to be distributed via the selected power distribution pathway.

A control device includes a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to acquire a status of each of a plurality of power distribution pathways provided at a moving body, and select a power distribution pathway having low resistance from among the plurality of power distribution pathways based on the acquired status, and cause power to be distributed via the selected power distribution pathway.

Disclosed herein is a system including an oxidizer nozzle tool having a first end, a rotary drive and a linear drive mechanism. A component, such as a quick disconnect valve, is attached to the first end of the oxidizer nozzle. The rotary drive actuates the component to engage and seal to a drain valve on a device (such as a satellite) such that the component can open and close the drain value while maintaining the seal, wherein the linear drive mechanism is operable to lock and release the component from the oxidizer nozzle tool. A hose is mated to the oxidizer nozzle tool, wherein upon actuation, fluid flows through the hose to the oxidizer nozzle tool and through the component into the drain valve.

Systems and methods are disclosed for mining lunar and Martian polar permafrost to extract gas propellants. The method can comprise identifying a plurality of near-polar landing sites in craters in which the surface comprises permafrost in perpetual darkness, wherein such landing sites have perpetual sunlight available at altitudes of about 100 to 200 m. A mining outpost can be established in at least one of the sites and a high altitude solar array deployed at the landing site using a lightweight mast tall enough to generate near continuous power for the outpost. 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 embodiments that pertain to signal based arrangement of pin tumbler pins are described. A receiver can receive and process a signal. The signal can indicate an arrangement for the pins of the pin tumblers. With a proper signal, the pins can be placed so that the pin tumbler unlocks. Security measures can be put into place to make sure the signal is a valid signal, such as through employment of a hash function set (e.g., two hash functions).