LAMP v1 (Astra)

LAMP v1, also known as Astra, is the first version of the LAMP (Lunar, Autonomous, Modular, Platform) mining robot. Astra was developed and rigorously tested in the LUMINSim environment to assess its capabilities in mining, mobility, and transport on the lunar surface. Although intended to serve as the primary LAMP robot, Astra's design flaws revealed during testing have led to the development of a new version.

Design Overview

Astra features a single arm equipped with a modular tool coupler, allowing it to switch between various attachments. Unlike other mining robots such as the Excahauler, Astra does not have a pre-attached bucket; instead, it relies on its modular design for different excavation tasks. The tool coupler on Astra also has tilt functionality, providing greater versatility in handling a range of tools during mining operations.

Key Components

Arm and Tool Coupler: Astra’s arm is designed for multi-purpose use, with a tool coupler that allows quick switching between attachments. The coupler's tilt functionality provides added flexibility during excavation and material handling.
Mobility: Astra's mobility system was designed to navigate lunar terrain, with emphasis on transporting materials and tools across various conditions.
Modular Bed Interface: The robot features a built-in hopper for hauling lunar regolith.

Design Flaws and Testing

During its development and testing in LUMINSim, several design flaws in Astra were identified:

The arm's hinge point was positioned too far forward, causing the robot to tip over easily, especially during lifting operations.
The original built-in hopper design was deemed inefficient, leading to the adoption of a modular bed interface for greater adaptability.

These flaws, along with other mobility and mining challenges, were observed during LUMINSim testing. These insights have been instrumental in guiding the design improvements for the next version of LAMP, which aims to address Astra's limitations.

Legacy and Future Development

Astra's development laid the groundwork for the modular approach and tool versatility that define the LAMP project. While Astra itself will not be used in future missions due to its design flaws, its testing in LUMINSim has provided valuable lessons that are shaping the next iteration of LAMP.

Related Projects

LUMINSim - The simulation environment where Astra was developed and tested, revealing the design flaws that are being addressed in future versions.
LAMP - The overarching project aimed at creating a versatile lunar mining and construction robot, with Astra serving as the initial prototype.
Excahauler - Another mining robot project with different design characteristics, such as a pre-attached bucket, compared to Astra's modular tool coupler.

For more information or to contribute to the development of the LAMP project, visit the team's GitHub page.