To load, manipulate, deposit and transport payloads to desired sites on the surface of the moon, the suspension systems of prototype NASA robotic vehicles plays a key role. The proposed SBIR Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a liquid spring/damper to be utilized as a component of the active suspension system of NASA's space exploration vehicles, including the Multi-Mission Space Exploration Vehicle (MMSEV) and Chariot and All Terrain Hex-Legged Extra-Terrestrial Explorer (ATHLETE). All vehicles under consideration can support cargo transport and Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA), which require them to perform activities such as surface navigation, terrain mapping and docking. The proposed system can potentially be utilized in NASA?s Lunar Electric Rover and planetary rovers.
In addition to NASA's applications, advanced controllable suspension systems could be used for vehicle suspension systems, especially for medium/heavy vehicles to reduce weight, increase mobility, enhance controllability of the vehicle's motion, and to prevent rollover in rough terrains and during emergency maneuvers. The applications range from commercial and private sector to military, such as medium/heavy commercial vehicles, buses, coaches, trailers, High Mobility Multi Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs), tracked vehicles, unmanned military wheeled vehicles and, Light Armored Vehicles (LAV). The developed liquid spring/damper is also suitable for use in landing system of the airplanes and suspension systems of railway vehicles, such as high-speed trains.