The MARS#90 sand testing room, in Etcheverry 2119, consists of a sand tank with an 8″ depth on one side and a 2′ depth on the other. This tank sits on a pneumatic tilter in order to create slopes of up to 30 degrees. Above, a UR-16 universal robot arm enables penetrometery study, load disturbance studies and active gravity compensation to support the development and characterization of novel ground robots and control strategies. The room is isolated from other spaces and includes filters over the vents in order to prevent dusk from escaping. Any researcher who accesses this space must carefully review the SOP before entering.
Finally filling the tank with MARS#90 simulant! (12/14/2021)