Planetary Robotics

planetary rover at analog test site
planetary rover wheels
planetary rover gears
planetary rover on lava terrain
planetary rover face
planetary rover leveling blade
planetary rover at analog test site
planetary rover wheels
planetary rover gears
planetary rover on lava terrain
planetary rover face
planetary rover leveling blade

Helelani Rover

Meet Helelani (“heavenly travels”), our 700-pound planetary rover. She is equipped with a suite of instruments and imaging systems that can be controlled from anywhere in the world and serves as a mobile testing platform for planetary surface systems. Space agencies from anywhere in the world can arrange for tele-robotic operations of Helelani at a number of high-fidelity planetary analog test sites on Hawaiʻi Island.

Helelani also provides an ongoing project for undergraduate students seeking hands-on experience in robotics, engineering, and programming. Students in the robotics track of our internship program work to advance and refine her hardware and software systems. 

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Ontario Drive and Gear (ODG)
  • Model: Alpha Argo
  • Weight: 726 lbs (without avionics and additional equipment)
  • Power: 48V main system provided by two 24V battery systems
  • Additional Power Systems: 12V electronics, 12V payload

Control Capabilities

  • Hand-held radio controller
  • Remote operations using an internet connection

Sensors

  • Voltage (for power systems)
  • Temperature (for motor surface and avionics enclosure)
  • GPS
  • IMU (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, barometer)
  • Motor RPM

Imaging Systems

  • Pan-Tilt Situational Awareness Camera
  • Front view Haz Camera
  • Rear view Haz Camera
  • Stereoscopic Imaging System
  • LiDAR