Audi 2010 Annual Report Download - page 47

shadow device on the center console of shadow device on the center console of
the LRV also served as a solar compass.the LRV also served as a solar compass.
Scott and his passenger traveled Scott and his passenger traveled
27.8 kilometers during their Apollo 1527.8 kilometers during their Apollo 15
mission. “The LRV allowed us to explore mission. “The LRV allowed us to explore
three completely diff erent regions three completely diff erent regions
of the moon for the fi rst time and takeof the moon for the fi rst time and take
some extremely important rock some extremely important rock
samples.” An LRV was also used in thesamples.” An LRV was also used in the
last two moon landings to date, in
1972. “The LRV was a godsend for
us,” says Scott. When asked us,” says Scott. When asked
whether every other car isn’t whether every other car isn’t
a bitter disappointment for a bitter disappointment for
him since driving the LRV on him since driving the LRV on
the moon, he says with a laugh:
“That really depends on the car.”
JAN DREIER
e, in
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,
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or
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:
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AN DREI
ER
AN DREIER
Hinged antenna for
communications
Joystick for
steering
Color TV
camera
Container for
rock samples
Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV)
Drive system The lunar rover
was driven by four electric motors –
one on each wheel. Many electric
vehicle studies make use of this same
idea today.
Battery
Power in the LRV was
supplied by two 36 volt batteries. They
lasted for a total of 92 kilometers, but
were not rechargeable.
Wheels Each wheel could be
accelerated at diff erent speeds.
Today’s cars also have this capability –
the technology is called the electronic
stabilization program, better known
as ESP. In addition, both the front and
rear wheels on the lunar rover could be
steered – like construction machinery.
Lightweight
construction The lunar rover
was made mostly of aluminum and
weighed only 210 kilograms, but could
hold a payload of up to 490 kilograms.
The lightweight concept reduced the
lunar module’s weight.
Navigation The “integrated
position indicator” told the astronauts
where they were on the moon – a pre-
cursor of today’s navigation systems.
Modern pioneers
“The lunar surface
is extremely irregular and
is covered with fi ne,
slippery dust.”
David Randolph Scott
Wire-
encased
tires with
titanium
chevrons
Power supply
with two 36-volt
silver oxide-zinc
batteries
45
LRV, precursor
of modern
automobiles
Engineers worked for 17 months to
develop the fi rst lunar rover. Many
of their developments are still used
today in terrestrial vehicles.
O