LATCH — Nicholas Lopez

FIG. 01 / SPEC

01 / REQUIREMENTS

Core NASA Requirements

Request by NASA

To develop novel concepts for a lightweight pressurized tunnel system that can provide active positioning and berthing between crewed surface assets on Mars.

Core Mission Requirements

R1 The LATCH mission shall provide the capability to transport at least two crew members wearing IVA suits, carrying cargo, between surface elements on Mars.

R2 The LATCH mission shall provide a controlled, habitable environment between surface elements that is isolated from the Martian environment.

R3 The LATCH mission shall last throughout the duration of crewed surface operations on Mars.

R4 The LATCH mission shall reduce power consumption, mass, and crew operation time compared to previous mission designs.

Bottom-Half Prototype

Led design of motorized tread system used to drive prototype

Treads chosen for increased performance on rocky terrain
Designed for up to 15 degrees of incline with ~8x safety factor
0.25–0.3 N·m of input torque amplified by 250:1 to 300:1 gear reduction
Front face of treads sloped upward to navigate sudden elevation changes

FIG. 02A — NL

[ TREAD SYSTEM ]latch-tread.png

Functioning model presented to NASA intended to test functionality of drive system, linear actuators, and end position mechanism

End positioning mechanism supported by two linear actuators, lazy susans, and drive systems
Manufactured primarily using wood to lower cost without sacrificing stability
Designed to adjust attachment point in 4 degrees of freedom, fulfilling requirement of 15 degrees of pitch and yaw between surface habitats
Final prototype presented to NASA at Marshall Space Flight Center

FIG. 02B — NL

[ PROTOTYPE VIEW 1 ]latch-prototype-1.png

FIG. 02C — NL

[ PROTOTYPE VIEW 2 ]latch-prototype-2.png

Testing

Co-led design of rough terrain test to fulfill NASA requirement of traversing martian terrain

EC-06

The system shall allow for travel across rough martian terrain

Conducted research on martian terrain to determine proper rock sizes (1–9 cm) for adequate simulation
Objective: Run prototype through rough terrain and assess components for any damage or loss of functionality
Results: Prototype successfully passed test, prompted investigation into increasing stability and synchronization between modules

FIG. 03A — NL

[ EC-06 TEST ]latch-test-ec06.png

CT-03.01

The tunnel shall withstand winds of up to 4.17 m/s

High powered fans used to simulate low-level wind conditions on Mars
Objective: Apply wind force to prototype and assess for any damage or loss of functionality
Results: Prototype successfully passed test with minimal effect on performance or reliability

FIG. 03B — NL

[ CT-03.01 TEST ]latch-test-ct03.png