Note: Planetary gravities made simple: Sample test of a Mars rover wheel

Area of Science:

• Experimental Physics
• Gravitational Science
• Space Exploration Technology

Background:

• Conducting experiments in non-terrestrial gravitational environments is crucial for scientific advancement.
• Existing methods for simulating variable gravity are often limited in scope or precision.
• The need for adaptable instrumentation for microgravity and partial-gravity research is significant.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel instrument capable of simulating a wide spectrum of gravitational conditions.
• To enable diverse experiments in gravities ranging from 0.4 g to 1.2 g.
• To facilitate research, including testing hardware for planetary exploration, under simulated Martian gravity.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a large Atwood machine with a sensor-equipped bucket and single-board computer.
• The system detects and stabilizes effective gravity, triggering actuators for experimental control.
• Integrated WiFi and a web interface for experiment setup, monitoring, and data analysis.

Main Results:

• Achieved controllable gravities within the 0.4 g to 1.2 g range.
• Demonstrated acceleration noise of approximately 0.01 g.
• Enabled experiments of up to 1.5 seconds duration under simulated Martian gravity.

Conclusions:

• The developed instrument provides a flexible and precise platform for variable gravity research.
• The system's capabilities are suitable for a wide range of scientific investigations and technology testing.
• Successfully demonstrated its utility by testing a model Mars rover wheel in simulated low gravity.