Exploring the role of Simulation-Based Design principles in support of transportation and material handling activities for the Lunar Mission

Abstract

Simulation-Based Design (SBD) approaches can help conceptualize engineering plans and design activities with the adoption of Virtual / Augmented Reality based digital mockup techniques and technologies. This paper outlines preliminary activities based on SBD principles aimed at supporting some of the material transport activities for NASA's Lunar Mission. Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) based simulation environments were created to support some of the simulation based design activities. The engineering design activities included (i) planning and conceptualizing an autonomous system for transporting payloads from the Gateway to the Lunar surface, (ii) exploring design of cable-based robotic system for transporting parts from one location to another on the surface of the Moon and (iii) studying path planning approaches to transport materials on the Lunar surface. The initial conceptualization of design ideas for these three thrusts are presented along with a discussion of the SBD implementation using the Unity engine on the immersive Vive platform.