The Wombat: Rocket-Payload and Rover

Project

The Wombat rover is a proof-of-concept, designed to be deployed from a rocket. Upon landing the rover will autonomously eject small, data cubes and set up a wireless network. The network can be used by other rovers later.

Developing a robust wireless network setup can enhance the efficiency of future space missions, enabling better coordination and data sharing among multiple rovers or other devices.

System

Methods

We self-soldered surface mount components on PCBs.

We 3D printed parts for the mechanical portion of the rover.

We programmed our PCBs to control the peripheral components.

Conclusion

This project will be used to compete in the Spaceport America Cup Rocketry Competition in June 2025 as part of the Aggie Blue Burners Team.

We plan to have our design and improvements used for next year's payload.

We hope to make the design of the rover easier to implement and less prone to relying on small parts