EXOMARS ROVER OPERATION CONTROL CENTRE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN CONCEPT

摘要

ESA's ExoMars mission has technology and scientific objectives in preparation for future robotic missions and eventually human exploration. A Spacecraft Composite, formed by a Carrier Module and a Descent Module housing the Rover, will be launched in late 2013 and arrive at Mars in 2015. After release from the Carrier, the Descent module will deliver the Rover to the surface of Mars by an inflatable braking device or parachute system. The vehicle will be capable of operating autonomously by using onboard software and will navigate by using optical sensors. The Surface Operations Phase starts from the initial Rover activation and foresees the initial checkout and the commissioning before the start of its scientific mission. Once the functional checks and the commissioning will be completed, the operation control of the rover will handover to the control centre being implemented at the ALTEC premises in Turin. The Rover Operation Control Centre (ROCC) architecture will be designed to manage the Rover surface operations. The ROCC will also be equipped with the Mars Terrain Simulators facility that will be exercised using the Rover QM /EM when preparing and supporting the ExoMars Surface Mission. This paper describes the ExoMars System, and the preliminary ROCC Architecture design and Rover operation concept.