I would like to build a Mars Rover and actually send it to mars for a serious science experiment. I'm just starting out and I'm a poor starving student so I would prefer not to buy one since $150million dollars is a lot of money(
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Pathfinder).
I already have the Pow-Pow-Power Wheels Mini-Jeep I would like to use as the basis for the project. My kids love this thing and it's really tough, so I'm thinking it will have no problems on Mars.
https://www.amazon.com/Power-Wheels-Jeep-Wrangler-Red/dp/B00IVDVWV4I was hoping someone could help me out with the other parts of the project...
Here are the things I haven't figured out how to do yet:
1) Anything associated with motors and making it drive - How many arduino pins do I need for this?
2) Navigation - Google maps should be good enough I think. If not I have a spare Garmin.
2) Long range communications to mars - I'm thinking bluetooth... maybe zigbee..
3) Sensors - I want a 47 axis IMU, lazer range finders, and probably like 10 cameras.
4) Space rocket - Who is better for this? Digikey or Mouser?
5) Space Trajectories - I played a TON of Asteroids back in the day, so I'm pretty sure I got this one.
6)
Is there anything else I'm missing? probably not.. but just asking..
I would like to have this project finished by the end of next week, so please hurry and help me.
If anyone has any good books about building mars rovers to the above specifications that would be very helpful. If all goes well I may send my pet hamster Sonny along for the ride. Just think of the stories he will tell! EPIC!
Love Smokey.....