PLATE — a Passive, Light-Weight Wheel Abrasion and Terramechanics Experiment

Abstract Planetary in-situ exploration is driven by robotic spacecraft, specifically rovers. Rovers are capable of deploying instrument suites across various terrains, traversing hundreds to thousands of meters. However, the steady mechanical interaction with the surface has a significant, detrimental effect on a rover’s wheels, which — over time — can compromise the locomotive capabilities of a rover. While well characterized on Mars, the nature, magnitude, and frequency of wheel abrasion/erosion is poorly characterized on the Moon. Here, we present and functionally test PLATE — the Pilot Lunar Abrasion Technical Experiment —, a low-cost, light-weight abrasion and terramechanics experiment consisting of anodized and coated aluminum plates attached to the wheels of a rover. We show that PLATE is able to record macroscopic detrimental impacts, such as scratches and dents, while not affecting the locomotion performance. Systematic observations of PLATE’s continuous degradation enable analyses related to the magnitude and frequency of mechanical abrasion/erosion of wheels on planetary bodies. PLATE flew onboard the forfeit Emirates Lunar Mission Rashid-1 rover and is envisaged to be re-deployed on the upcoming Rashid-2 rover mission. PLATE can be mounted to the wheels of any other rover, providing key engineering and terramechanical information for the design and construction of the next generation of heavy-duty and/or long-distance exploration rovers.