MMX – Martian Moons eXploration
Integration of the MMX rover
Part of the MMX rover was assembled in the clean room of the DLR Institute of Space Systems in Bremen. The uprighting and locomotion system was developed and built at DLR's Robotics and Mechatronics Center in Oberpfaffenhofen. The particularly light carbon structure was contributed by the DLR Institute of Composite Structures and Adaptive Systems.
Image: 1/3, Credit:
MMX Rover
Image: 2/3, Credit:
top plate integration
To analyze how the MMX rover will behave on Phobos under the conditions of reduced gravity, the DLR Institute of System Dynamics and Control conducts complex simulations. The simulation shown here in the video shows the particularly challenging mission phase of the final moments of landing with the subsequent erection and deployment of the solar panels as well as the orientation towards the sun. After this fully autonomous sequence, the MMX rover is able to optimally charge its battery for the first trip to Phobos. Simulations like this are used in the project to generate important findings for the further development of the rover.
Landing of the MMX rover in the simulation
Landing of the MMX rover in the simulation
To analyze how the MMX rover will behave on Phobos under the conditions of reduced gravity, the DLR Institute of System Dynamics and Control conducts complex simulations. The simulation shown here in the video shows the particularly challenging mission phase of the final moments of landing with the subsequent erection and deployment of the solar panels as well as the orientation towards the sun. After this fully autonomous sequence, the MMX rover is able to optimally charge its battery for the first trip to Phobos. Simulations like this are used in the project to generate important findings for the further development of the rover.
Credit:
The final work and tests for the completion of the IDEFIX rover are currently underway at the CNES site in Toulouse. In recent months, the final integration of all instruments and subsystems has taken place there. DLR had previously integrated the carbon structure of the rover, including the assembly and propulsion system, at the Bremen site and delivered it to CNES in Toulouse in November 2022. IDEFIX is to land on the Martian moon Phobos as part of the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission and explore it on wheels despite its extremely low gravity. The Japanese MMX mission is aimed at both Martian moons, Phobos and Deimos. The MMX probe will explore both moons and eventually collect samples from Phobos and send them to Earth.
Video: Tests, assembly and preparation of the Franco-German rover IDEFIX for the MMX mission
Video: Tests, assembly and preparation of the Franco-German rover IDEFIX for the MMX mission
The final work and tests for the completion of the IDEFIX rover are currently underway at the CNES site in Toulouse. In recent months, the final integration of all instruments and subsystems has taken place there. DLR had previously integrated the carbon structure of the rover, including the assembly and propulsion system, at the Bremen site and delivered it to CNES in Toulouse in November 2022. IDEFIX is to land on the Martian moon Phobos as part of the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission and explore it on wheels despite its extremely low gravity. The Japanese MMX mission is aimed at both Martian moons, Phobos and Deimos. The MMX probe will explore both moons and eventually collect samples from Phobos and send them to Earth.
Credit:
CNES/DLR/JAXA (ASTERIX® OBELIX® IDEFIX® © Année LES EDITIONS ALBERT RENE / GOSCINNY-UDERZO)