Excavation Hardware

The excavation hardware will need to have one of these. It is a Neutrik PowerCon® connector.

Pin-out:

• Positive DC voltage will be provide on the Live (L) terminal
• Negative DC voltage will be provide on the Ground (PE) terminal
• The third Neutral (N) will remain unconnected. Future possibilities for data feedback are being considered.

If all of the requirements, such as a random starting location and orientation, are met by the autonomous and mobile excavation hardware, secondary hardware is not required to be placed in a randomized starting location, provided that all rules are followed and all requirements are met. For instance, a stationary and passive (not powered) item that is separate from the primary hardware could be placed on the ramp or near the collector during the 5 minute set up period to simplify access or dumping.

This rule is intended to deny the option of designing an excavator specifically to use the bottom of the sandbox or collector for support during nominal operation.

The rules specify that no fundamental process may be used that is not compatible with the lunar environment. In the case of cooling fans, using a convection process in the open atmosphere does not comply with the rules because of the constant supply of air from the atmosphere in order to function. If convection is used in a closed loop system, and/or with a consumable fluid source (i.e. a tank of consumables) then it is possible to comply with the rules.

A potentially more appropriate solution is the use of a radiator for cooling. This is more typical for use on spacecraft. In addition, some interesting operational considerations arise out of using radiators in a dusty environment.

The rules state "The Excavation Hardware will not push Regolith up against the wall to accumulate Regolith."

The intent of this rule also applies to pushing Regolith up the ramp towards the collector, so it is not allowable to push Regolith up the ramp or accumulate it there. The intent of this rule is to ensure that the configuration of the Excavation Hardware is adaptable for in-situ resource utilization and that the sandbox and ramp are not damaged during the excavation attempt.

This is intentionally not defined. While the excavation hardware is permitted to interact with the sides of the sandbox, it should not depend on the sandbox for autonomous operation.

No. The rocks are included as an obstacle and are not part of the excavation objective.

Yes, but keep in mind the judges will need to terminate the competition attempt if anything that is or appears to be unsafe is observed.

The intent is to require enough footage to provide the judges enough information to identify nominal operation of each excavator. This will help to identify any unsafe or unexpected operating conditions.

Non-binding audits can be provided if requested.