Mars probe gets the max on its motors
In its bid to explore for signs of water on Mars, NASA’s “Spirit” exploration rover successfully landed on the planet on 4th January this year and the second rover “Opportunity” landed safely on the 25th of January, both fitted with 39 separate DC motors from UK-based supplier Maxon Motors
.
The motors are used for operation of the robotic arms, rock drills and steering mechanisms, for controlling the cameras and for turning the six high-tech wheels that drive the heavy rovers (each weighs around 180kg) around the planet’s surface.
The motors are standard products with diameters of 20 and 25mm and only required minor modifications to deal with harsh vibration, special atmosphere and temperature changes on the surface of the planet which can range from
-120°C to 25°C.
Maxon has been heavily involved in NASA’s previous attempts to explore Mars and was selected again this time around, according to Maxon, because of its high efficiency (80-90%) motors. DP
Pointers
* The DC motors are from Maxon’s standard 20mm and 25mm diameter range but with minor modifications
* The motors need to withstand vibration, special atmosphere and temperatures changes from –125°C up to 25°C
* The motors are high efficiency, typically 80 to 90%
