Powered By Wind, Rover Sends Data Via Flashes

Computers, chemical batteries, and radio transmitters melt in the scorching heat on Venus. So, engineers have invented mechanical substitutes for electronics in the 700 kg rover.

MECHANICAL COMPUTER PROCESSES SAMPLES

1 The rover takes samples from the surface using a small arm attached to a mechanical computer - a calculator based on gears. The samples are analysed by means of electronic equipment that works in the heat.

WIND TURBINE ENERGISES ROVER SPRINGS

2 The Savonius wind turbine, which is mounted vertically in the rover, generates about three watts. Some of the energy energises synthetic fibre springs, which power the rover. This simple power plant is supplemented with solar cells on the top side.

CATERPILLAR TREADS CLIMB OBSTACLES

3 Via gears, the springs power the rover's caterpillar treads. They can climb metre-tall obstacles, but if the obstacles are too large, a bumper activates a system that makes the rover reverse and change direction.

WEATHER STATION MEASURES PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE

4 Mechanical sensors measure wind speed based on the wind turbine's rotations, temperature via a stick that expands in the heat, and pressure based on a contracting container. Solar cells generate power for the small number of more sophisticated sensors.