AIP conference proceedings · 2010 · 32 citations · 1 references
EngineeringAerospace EngineeringRobotics EngineeringGlobal Navigation Satellite SystemsRoboticsSpacecraft DesignConcentrated Solar PowerPhotovoltaic DevicesSolar CellsSolar Energy SystemsSolar Photovoltaic SystemsSpace ExplorationConcentrator PhotovoltaicsPhotovoltaic SystemsSolar ConcentratorsSolar Photovoltaic Power SystemsSolar Tracking SystemsSpace Power SystemsSpacecraft Power Systems
The MClimber team, at the Student Space Systems Fabrication Laboratory of the University of Michigan, has developed a prototype robotic climber for competition in the NASA sponsored Power Beaming Challenge. This paper describes the development of the system that utilizes a simple telescope to deliver an 8 kW beam to a photovoltaic panel in order to power a one kilometer climb. Its unique approach utilizes a precision GPS signal to track the panel. Fundamental systems of the project were implemented using a design strategy focusing on robustness and modularity. Development of this design and its results are presented.
1