NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge
RISD Rover Tools Team 2024

Multiple tool prototypes were created using pvc, aluminum/hardware, and 3D printing.

The tool holder and rover banner was created with coated canvas and high strength velcro. 

Thank you to Tess, Shreya, Lily, and Khushi for working along side me in the tools team.

RISD Rover / Astro is a school club focused around NASA’s annual Human Exploration Rover Change (H.E.R.C). The challenge includes a race with obstacles that tests the capabilities of both a “rover” vehicle and a tool created to complete various specified tasks. In this club I attended weekly meetings to collaboratively design and fabricate the tool for the competition, while also fabricating some metal parts for the rover itself. This culminated in a trip to NASA’s headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama, where I and the club stayed for 5 days to participate in the international challenge.

The tool we developed successfully lit up a light sensor, cleaned off a solar panel, re-attached wired clips, and collected four sample containers. Our team got full points for all tool tasks. We also created a storage banner that held the tool to the rover chassis. Overall, the team placed in 5th and won the featherweight award for the lightest rover at the competition. This was in part because of the use of carbon fiber.