Dark Ages Lunar Interferometer (DALI): Deployment Rover

Abstract: In this thesis we have looked at the possibility of using a rover for deployment of lunar interferometers on the dark side of the moon. This project was made together with two other groups at Halmstad University. The project was divided into three units and we had the main responsibility for the deployment unit on the rover. The deployment unit of the rover is the device that will pick up, carry and roll out the antennas, which is a thin film 1x100 meters rolled up as a roll. The device must work in cooperation with the other units so that the antennas are deployed in a safe and controlled manner. The background of this project is to create a better understanding of the universe, its origin and how it still continues to change. This is made to believe possible by using lunar interferometers that will collect radiation from outer space. The lunar interferometers are placed at the dark side of the moon so that the radiation we humans create will not affect the results. This thesis is issued in collaboration with Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. JPL is a world leading designer and manufacturer of space-related products. At the time being JPL has 22 spacecraft and 10 instruments conducting active missions. The focus in this project was to develop a conceptual design of a rover able to deploy the lunar interferometers. The result is a concept created in a 3D-enviroment.