# Nasa-Rover
Custom NASA Open Source Rover build featuring a fully 3D-printable all-wheel suspension system with hidden internal wire routing for complete cable protection. The chassis is topped with a side-oriented solar panel array for autonomous power generation, merging Martian mobility kinematics with clean, robust additive manufacturing.
This entire rover model is 90% 3D printable! Every single component—from the main chassis supporting the side-oriented solar panels to the custom all-wheel suspension with hidden internal wiring—is fully optimized for additive manufacturing. No specialized machining or custom metalwork is required. Just slice, print, and assemble your own fully functional, solar-powered rover right from your desktop.
Powered from behind: this rover features an integrated, rear-mounted solar panel array designed for continuous power and maximum roof clearance. Fully 3D-printable and engineered for seamless wiring integration, the rear setup keeps the center of gravity balanced while soaking up sunlight on every mission.
Rocker-Bogie Passive Suspension: Utilizes multi-pivot linkages instead of traditional springs, ensuring all six wheels maintain continuous ground contact and equal weight distribution over rugged, uneven terrain.
Dependent 6-Wheel Drive (6WD): Each wheel operates with dependent drive power, maximizing traction, preventing wheel slip, and allowing the rover to climb steep obstacles without high-centering.
Corner-Wheel Steering: Dedicated upright steering knuckles on the front and rear corner assemblies enable precision steering modes, including tight pivot turns, crab walking, and zero-turn radius maneuvers.
Tubular Conduit Integration: The tubular suspension arms act as structural links while doubling as internal pathways, keeping motor and sensor wiring completely protected from snagging, dust, and mechanical wear.
High Ground Clearance & Stability: Elevated pivot points provide significant clearance under the main payload hull, protecting electronics, cameras, and onboard systems during rough traversing.
Passive Articulation Linkage: Uses a springless, balanced pivot mechanism (rocker and bogie links) that allows the suspension to conform naturally to rocky terrain, maintaining optimal wheel-to-ground contact and even weight distribution at all times.
Internal Hollow Routing: Engineered with continuous hollow structural tubes and integrated conduit joints, enabling motor power, steering lines, and encoder signals to run completely hidden inside the assembly—eliminating external wire snag hazards.
4-Corner Active Steering: Front and rear uprights house dedicated vertical steering actuators, allowing independent corner articulation for tight-radius cornering, zero-turn maneuvers, and precise rover alignment.
100% Additive Manufacturing Design: Optimized with clean print orientations, minimal support requirements, and tight mechanical tolerances so all pivot brackets, joints, and arm linkages can be 3D printed directly for high rigidity and straightforward assembly.
Maximum Chassis Ground Clearance: The elevated rocker mount keeps the central electronics enclosure high above ground-level obstacles, minimizing bottoming-out while conquering steps and uneven inclines.
Fully Enclosed Pathways: All structural suspension tubes and pivot brackets feature built-in hollow internal conduits, routing drive motor power, encoder data, and steering lines entirely through the suspension arms.
Complete Snag & Tangle Protection: By eliminating external wire loops, cables are fully shielded from outdoor hazards, rock snags, abrasive dust, and mechanical pinching during heavy articulation.
Articulated Joint Pass-Throughs: Integrated rotational channels at the rocker, bogie, and steering upright pivots provide clean cable pass-through with built-in bend radii, preventing wire fatigue or shear during continuous motion.
Clean & Professional Build Aesthetic: Concealing all high-current motor leads and logic lines directly inside the 3D-printed chassis keeps the rover looking sleek, minimalist, and factory-engineered.
