Secure the Power Supply
What’s a *solar array*?
Solar arrays consist of multiple solar panels and are useful as a power supply for space exploration.
What are the strengths and weaknesses using solar arrays as a power supply for the Mars Outpost?
All of the systems are offline!
Set up the Solar Panel so the Mars Outpost has enough power to get the systems up and running. This place will be our future home!
Think about ways the robot could unfold the Solar Panel.
Brainstorm ideas for solving the mission.
You can split the main task into smaller subtasks, and brainstorm on questions like:
- What are some ways the robot could navigate to the Solar Panel?
- Which type of motorized mechanism can be used to rotate the handle?
Build, program, and test your robot.
Continue working on your robot until you’re ready to complete the mission.
Achievement Badges
The four levels of badges you can earn for this mission are:
Platinum Badge
You’ve unfolded the Solar Panel and it stays in an upright position. Power will soon be flowing to the Mars Outpost! You also went beyond the mission requirements by adding features to your design. Great job!
Gold Badge
You’ve unfolded the Solar Panel and it stays in an upright position. Power will soon be flowing to the Mars Outpost! You’ve helped us turn this from a cold and remote outpost into a home for the future. Thank you!
Silver Badge
You’ve managed to unfold the Solar Panel but it won’t stay in an upright position. This means that power is flowing to the Mars Outpost but not as much as we’d like. Some of our systems will have to be powered down for a while, but thanks for your hard work!
Bronze Badge
The Solar Panel hasn’t been unfolded but you certainly gave this mission a real go and you deserve credit for your efforts! We’ll have to stay in the shuttle for a while longer while we figure out what to do next. Good try, though!
Go for it!
Set up your robot in the base area and send it out for a judged attempt at this mission.
Mission Rules
Remember to follow these rules when you attempt to complete the mission:
- Your robot must always start the mission from the base area.
- Your robot must leave the base area before carrying out the mission.
- A “successful robot return” occurs when any part of the robot crosses over any part of the base area line.
- You’re not allowed to touch your robot while it’s outside of the base area.
- If you touch your robot while it’s completely outside of the base area and it’s holding an object, the object must be returned to its original position and you must begin the mission again.
How did you do?
Which badge did you get? If you have time, you can try again to get a better result.
Power is flowing to the outpost… on to your next mission!