GLADOS Student Lead: Conner Odom Student Team Members: Zoe Acedo, Kobie DeLeonard, Anika Labuschagne, Benjamin Mickelson, Conner Odom, Andreas Olafsrud, Ryan Yoder, Feiran Zhang Faculty: Dr. Mark Benton and Dr. Richard Mangum Despite the rapid evolution of space technologies, the methods used for detailed spacecraft inspection have remained largely unchanged. In current practice, extra vehicular activities, or EVAs, have been primarily used for detailed inspection tests for over 50 years. Though effective, EVAs require extensive time and money while also exposing astronauts to significant safety hazards, such as extreme temperatures, suit limitations, fatigue, and navigation issues. The Gas Leak and Damage Observation System, or GLADOS, aims to resolve these issues by reducing the need for EVAs by creating an efficient and low-cost alternative for detailed inspections. GLADOS will be a remote-operated deployable free-flyer designed to inspect spacecraft exteriors for surface damage and leaks. Given the scope of this project, GLADOS will be equipped with thrusters to allow for translational movement, along with an infrared sensor for thermal sensing, and a visual camera to relay live footage to an operator. In an ideal implementation, GLADOS would deploy from a docking bay, the system would scan the exterior surface, and the collected data would be relayed to an operator for real-time analysis. Upon completion, the collected data could be reviewed to determine if further action is needed. Overall, by minimizing the need for EVAs, GLADOS could significantly decrease mission cost, and improve safety and operational efficiency for detailed spacecraft inspections. HOPR Student Lead: Tyrol Ponder Student Team Members: Tejas Dhilip, Luke Hyde, Jesse Kaphing, Kaden Menard, Michael Mercer, Tyrol Ponder, Kyle Young Faculty: Dr. Siwei Fan and Dr. Matthew Haslam The Hopping Observation Platform for Reconnaissance (HOPR) is a lunar jumping robot developed to investigate permanently shadowed regions and collect imagery of potential ice deposits near the Moon’s poles. Lunar ice represents a vital in-situ resource for future missions, offering potential sources of water, oxygen, and propellant. HOPR’s primary objective is to capture high-resolution images and terrain data to support future exploration and resource utilization HOPR utilizes a compact, spring-powered hopping mechanism that enables mobility across uneven terrain in low gravity. Its lightweight structure, efficient power system, and elastic energy storage system allow it to operate effectively within hazardous environments traditional rovers cannot reach. By combining a jumping mobility approach with an on-board data collection system, HOPR demonstrates a practical approach to reconnaissance in extreme conditions. The platform serves as a proof of concept for small, agile robotic explorers capable of enhancing lunar surface studies and supporting the development of sustainable exploration infrastructure.
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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
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