Modular Software Architecture and Algorithms for Fast and Efficient Lunar Mobility (M-SAFE)

ProtoInnovations, LLC proposes the continued maturation and development of the The Modular Software Architecture and Algorithms for Fast and Efficient Lunar Mobility (M-SAFE) for autonomous mobility solutions tailored to meet the demanding high-progress-rate driving, speed-made-good, and reliability requirements during challenging semi-autonomous NASA lunar missions. Building upon ProtoInnovations’s previous successful experience in developing reconfigurable and modular mobility software architectures and robotic systems for autonomous rover operations, we propose an optimized mobility software architecture for high-speed and high-cadence missions in dynamic lunar operating conditions. The software architecture provides onboard autonomy capabilities for high-speed mobility systems through computationally efficient, power-efficient, and real-time supervisory and coordinated mobility control. Factoring in the need for speed, traction in mixed terrain, robustness to known terrain hazards, and minimizing energy consumption, we propose a high-speed mobility optimization algorithm with recovery mechanisms powered with intelligent decision-making with predictive situational awareness. The software architecture operates while the mobile system is in motion, continually responding to the state of the rover, current and predicted lunar terrain conditions, and mission-level mobility performance needs to make the best controlled decision during long-traverse missions. As NASA and the space industry prepare for progressively more complex and longer lunar surface missions, such as the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) and Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility (EHP) missions, our software architecture aims to provide the necessary functionality and performance to meet evolving requirements for faster and more autonomous lunar operations.

The proposed innovations will aid rover-based NASA missions for space science and exploration on the lunar surface during the Artemis (Moon to Mars) Campaign. The proposed innovations will enable high-cadence missions by reducing reliance on ground operator intervention for speed-made-good and improving the reliability of autonomous lunar surface mobility. Research will also advance understanding of speed limits for lunar systems, evaluating potential speed enhancements and identifying limiting factors. As a secondary market ProtoInnovations aims to offer the proposed technologies into high-speed systems across agricultural, mining, construction, and defense applications. These domains require efficient and adaptive mobility solutions to navigate challenging terrains while maximizing speed and safety. Such industries would benefit from our lean compute efficient software architecture by evaluating control strategies and deploying optimal strategies in limited situational awareness to ensure optimal performance in demanding environments.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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