Inspired by the Google Lunar X Prize, the Lunar Hopper GDP aims to design, build and test a space vehicle. Unlike other space exploration vehicles such as the rover, a hopper is terrain independent and capable of covering long distances faster than conventional land cruising exploration vehicles.
Following a crash from the maiden flight of the Mk.1 hopper, the team was tasked with creating a new design, modifying the previous attitude control system and allowing the frame to be of modular construction. Such that in the event of a crash or upgrade requirement, the vehicle could be quickly reassembled to accommodate the new or repaired component.
As a systems engineering project, tasks were organised by their relative design merit and priority to deliver specific measurements of performance. Two of the main design requirements for an earth bound test included the consideration of wind speeds on test day and the maximum weight requirement of 40 kg to account for the optimum rocket thrust available.
Analogous with any systems project, this also allowed the team to split into ‘subsystem’ groups. The subsystems were as follows: Propulsion & Propellant Delivery, Structure, Dynamics & Control, Electronics & Telemetry. Throughout the duration of the project, the team worked closely in tandem with the Hybrid Rocket GDP, who provided the 400N rocket for the main propulsion system. Liaising with the hybrid team was proved to be a great exercise in engineering collaboration, imposing design restrictions and working to ensure that the hybrid motor could be fully integrated onto the space frame.
This year the Lunar Hopper team has successfully built a new symmetrical, innovative, and meccano structure space frame. Designed and tested a new attitude control system using cold gas thrusters providing the hopper with stability in both the pitch and yaw axes.
Following a crash from the maiden flight of the Mk.1 hopper, the team was tasked with creating a new design, modifying the previous attitude control system and allowing the frame to be of modular construction. Such that in the event of a crash or upgrade requirement, the vehicle could be quickly reassembled to accommodate the new or repaired component.
As a systems engineering project, tasks were organised by their relative design merit and priority to deliver specific measurements of performance. Two of the main design requirements for an earth bound test included the consideration of wind speeds on test day and the maximum weight requirement of 40 kg to account for the optimum rocket thrust available.
Analogous with any systems project, this also allowed the team to split into ‘subsystem’ groups. The subsystems were as follows: Propulsion & Propellant Delivery, Structure, Dynamics & Control, Electronics & Telemetry. Throughout the duration of the project, the team worked closely in tandem with the Hybrid Rocket GDP, who provided the 400N rocket for the main propulsion system. Liaising with the hybrid team was proved to be a great exercise in engineering collaboration, imposing design restrictions and working to ensure that the hybrid motor could be fully integrated onto the space frame.
This year the Lunar Hopper team has successfully built a new symmetrical, innovative, and meccano structure space frame. Designed and tested a new attitude control system using cold gas thrusters providing the hopper with stability in both the pitch and yaw axes.
