HaVMS - Horizontal and Vertical Movement System
Have you ever wanted a rocket pack to soar amongst the sky? Now you can … on Mars… Gravity is less, atmospheric density is less, and the vistas are breathtaking. So come to Mars...
Buck Rogers aside, Mars is an interesting environment for out-of-this-world mobility options for an explorer. This challenge asks for the definition of a conceptual mobility solution to allow an astronaut to easily and rapidly explore Mars including overcoming obstacles such as cliffs, ravines and other difficult terrain. The solution should be person-portable and any means or source of propulsion be locally produced.
This challenge can be answered by:
- producing an app to simulate your adventures in building your jet pack and flying around Mars;
- produce an app that provides the local gravity, atmospheric conditions (density, weather, anything-else-of-interest) to help decide what is needed for your jet pack design;
- perform a feasibility/conceptual study of an actual jet pack design that could use potential Mars fuel sources; or Design and Demonstrate a model scale jet pack using hardware.
The HaVMS, or Horizontal and Vertical Movement System, is a two part solution to this challenge. The first part is movement horizontally, and the next part is moving vertically. Overall, the system will look like this.
Vertical movement is handled by a pair of boots, looking similar in appearance to a pair of prosthetic legs used by legless runners, that the astronaut can jump on and gain upward momentum, like a trampoline. Especially with the decreased gravity and wind resistance, we predict that an astronaut would be able to get to quite high ground using this. The legs will be made of aluminum, as it is a stiff and strong, yet relatively light material. They will strap roughly 4 inches (10.16 cm) above the ankle by using a trio of strong zip-ties, with padding underneath them for the comfort of the astronaut, as well as to prevent damage to the suit. Additionally, there will be a platform that goes underneath the heel of an astronaut (also with padding) to help balance the wearer. The legs themselves will go roughly 2/3 of a meter (2 ft) downward. The astronaut falling should be a minute problem, as the Z2 is built with toughness in mind, so it should be able to sustain any mistakes the wearer makes.
Horizontal movement is done via a pair of gliders attached to the entrance tunnel of the Z2 EVA Suit. The astronaut can use these, along with the boots mentioned above, to travel significant distance. Additionally, it should make travelling across chasms and cliffs much easier. There is less air on Mars, however the decreased gravity should be enough to compensate for this. Breaking will be handled by a trio of balloons, one on the astronaut's chest, and one on each of his/her arm. When the user is about to hit the ground, (s)he spreads their arms out and uses these to break their fall, and to stop moving, by producing as much friction as possible. The size of the wings shall vary based on the weight of the astronaut, however, like the boots, they will be made of aluminium.
All of the materials used to traverse across the terrain will be stored in a aluminium dual-sided briefcase that stores the legs, balloons, and wings.
In conclusion, the astronaut will use a pair of boots, as well as wings strapped onto the entrance tunnel of the Z2 to traverse Mars' terrain as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The Materials used in the design of aircraft wings - http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=12117
