Extreme EXPeditionary Architecture

The MS Scorpion is part of a convoy of rovers proposed in a newly proposed Mission Architecture (EXP-Arch) to explore planetary surfaces. The MS Scorpion is a lunar rover capable of long traverses on the Moon. It can support a crew of 4 for up to 3 months without re-supply. This is one of two vehicles that will work together exploring the lunar surface. The 2 MS Scorpions will be supported by 4 highly agile mini-rovers. This system is proposed by Trotti & Associates, Inc. a space architecture firm from Cambridge, MA. The study was performed under a contract with the NASA Institute of Advanced Concepts.



The MS Scorpion is an all-terrain vehicle capable of traveling
from the North to the South pole of the moon. This system of rovers
work like a mobile lunar base that can be moved to different sites
whenever is needed for scientific and or commercial purposes.



The MS Scorpion is powered by solar panels and hydrogen fuel cells.
Each of the 8 legs has its own electric propulsion motor that power
elastic spherical wheels capable of dealing with the harsh environment
of the lunar surface.



The MS Scorpion can be driven by the astronauts or it can navigate
autonomously. All the vehicles are autonomous and can travel
independently to different sites by themselves controlled from the Earth.



The MS Scorpions are outfitted with expandable inflatable
structures that double the size of their interior volume.



The MS Scorpions can dock with each other in several ways to
create a small camp capable of supporting 8 astronauts.
The mini rovers serve as exploration vehicles capable of traversing
extremely rough terrain.