It is very likely that none of us will ever set foot on Mars, but that does not mean that we cannot let it go. As seen by Space.com, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has released a blueprint for a planetary rover that can be downloaded for free by recreational rovers, advanced engineers, and astronauts.
Named the Open Source Rover, it is a simplified version of NASA ‘s Curiosity rover, which celebrates its sixth year on Mars on August 6th. The six-wheel device can be built for as little as $ 2500 using commercial off-the-shelf components, such as an LED board, 3D printed encoder decoration, and even an Xbox controller.
While JPL officials admit that their 100-page guidebook is “very detailed,” they say it is suitable for high school and college students, as well as adults – although some would not -information in the assembly of mechanics, electronics, and injured software.
The rover can be customized according to the builder’s preference, whether that’s installing RPM motors to speed it up or adding USB cameras and solar panels.
“I would love to have the opportunity to build this rover in high school, and I hope that through this project we will give that opportunity to others,” Mik Cox, project manager, said in a statement.
To download the free trial guide and plans, visit GitHub.
[h/t Space.com]