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| 4 Precursor Mission Design | 4.5 Rover Design Considerations |
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Three objectives of the Lunar Rover Race are a) stimulation of technology development for robust, efficient robotic rovers, b) encouraging dissemination of these developments, and c) increasing public and private participation in space activities. These objectives might not be so easy to combine as will be explained in this section. In support of the third objective, the race does not discriminate between participants. Private "garage-made" rovers, an ISU rover, dedicated rover-company and military products are equally welcome, provided that they qualify. To satisfy the second objective, the participants could be required to publish their complete rover designs, with disqualification for the race as ultimate penalty. However, this measure has more negative than positive effects:
Therefore, regulations are required that allow all three objectives to be satisfied. Pertaining to technology transfer, the participants will be required to produce the following documentation:
Patenting and Licensing To stimulate publication of the rover designs, the racing authority should encourage and facilitate patenting and licensing of rover technology. NEXT > [Home] [ISU] |