The CASIMAR (Collaborative Astronaut Supporting Interregional Moon Analog Rover) project is an innovative initiative that unites BVSR (Bundesverband studentischer Raumfahrt) student groups from across Germany to contribute to space exploration.
The project's primary mission is to design and develop a state-of-the-art rover for deployment in the LUNA Analog Facility at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne. This facility simulates lunar conditions, enabling advanced testing and research.
Beyond the rover's core development, CASIMAR integrates smaller research and development packages, including experiments focused on:
- Regolith In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU): Exploring the use of lunar soil for sustainable resource management.
- EVA Equipment: Advancing tools and techniques for extravehicular activities in simulated lunar environments.
The project emphasizes human-robot interaction, with every development aspect tailored to astronautic needs, paving the way for future human lunar missions.
Projects
The CASIMAR project focuses on two key areas, each involving collaborative efforts from student groups across Germany:
1. Collaborative Inter-Regional Modular Rover
The heart of the CASIMAR initiative is the development of a modular rover platform. Multiple student groups work together to design and build the rover, emphasizing:
- Human-Robot Interaction: Creating systems that allow astronauts and robots to collaborate seamlessly.
- Training Opportunities: Equipping future engineers with hands-on experience for astronautic missions.
- Space Context Research: Conducting practical research that advances the field of space exploration.
2. EVA Equipment & Regolith-ISRU
This focus expands beyond the rover to other aspects of human activities on the Moon, including:
- Safety Features: Enhancing hardware and software to ensure astronaut safety.
- Commanding Principles & Ergonomics: Studying how astronauts interact with tools and systems in lunar conditions.
- Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Tools: Designing and testing equipment for tasks like resource utilization, which are essential for building infrastructure on the Moon.
Together, these projects aim to advance lunar exploration and prepare future generations for challenges in human spaceflight.
VR/AR Prototype Environment
Our team is dedicated to creating an immersive Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) prototype environment that helps the design process for lunar exploration technologies. This initiative supports the development of not only the rover's design but also its integration with EVA (Extravehicular Activity) tools, ensuring compatibility and efficiency in lunar missions.
Key Features of Our Work:
- 3D Rover Design: Creating detailed, interactive rover models for testing and visualization.
- Software Development: Building a software ecosystem to bring our VR/AR environment to life.
- Engine Integration: In order to deliver high-quality rendering, physics simulation, and interactive functionality.
Aligned with the broader goals of the CASIMAR project, our task places a strong emphasis on Human-Robotic Interaction (HRI). This includes addressing the challenges of designing intuitive interfaces and operational workflows that optimize collaboration between astronauts and robotic systems.
Our Vision:
Imagine yourself interacting with a rover on the Moon—testing tools, navigating rugged terrains, and executing complex missions. The goal for our VR/AR prototype development is to bring this vision closer to reality, enabling researchers, engineers, and astronauts to experience and refine these scenarios in a virtual setting before ever leaving Earth.
Curious?
Join us in shaping the future of space exploration! If you have any questions reach out to us: casimar@tudsat.space.