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An exploration AUV for long-distance-missions. The shape is specifically designed to meet the requirements of the Europa-Explorer-Project: a pilot survey for future missions to Jupiter's moon Europa. It focuses on the aspect of navigation of robotic systems on and especially under the ice-shield of Europa. Below the surface an ocean comprised of liquid water is expected. After penetration of the ice-shield an exploration can be conducted.
DFKI
Specifications
| Diameter | 22 | |
| Length | 3.5 | |
| Power supply | 1.75 | |
| Speed | 3 | |
| Actuation/ Engine | 1 Main thruster (pan-tiltable) | |
| 2 lateral thrusters, each 600W. | ||
| 2 buoyancy engines (each 0.7l volume) | ||
| Sensors | Evologics S2CR 48/78 USBL | |
| Rowe 1.2MHz dual-head DVL | ||
| KVH 1750 3-Achs FOG/IMU | ||
| Paroscientific series 6000 pressure sensor | ||
| Micron DST obstacle-avoidance sonar | ||
| 2x Reson TC4013 hydrophone, ground-stereo camera s | ||
| 9x 3500 lm LED-flasher | ||
| Communication | USBL (modem function) | |
| Ethernet (when tethered with either copper or fibe | ||
| WiFi at the surface) |
Overview
The shape is specifically designed to meet the requirements of the Europa-Explorer-Project: a pilot survey for future missions to Jupiter's moon Europa. It focuses on the aspect of navigation of robotic systems on and especially under the ice-shield of Europa. Below the surface an ocean comprised of liquid water is expected. After penetration of the ice-shield an exploration can be conducted.
The AUV has a very small diameter (in order to fit into an ice drill) as well as a hydro dynamically optimized outer hull (in order to reduce energy consumption and enable long-range missions).
The vehicle is equipped with a large number of different navigation sensors since localization quality and availability are of key importance – in the Europa-Explorer-scenario the vehicle has to return to its starting position (ice drill) even after having conducted long-distance missions.
Besides operating fully-autonomously, the AUV can be operated in hybrid-ROV-mode by connecting either a fiber or copper data cable.
References
Describes the project, it's specifications, sponsors, team, and application fields.
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