Biking on Mars CycleHack Lisbon 17
Mars ConstraintsEarth Mars
Surface gravity 9.807 m/s2 (1 g) 0.376 g
Surface Pressure 101.325 kPa1 atm
0.636 kPa0.00628 atm
Composition by volume78.08% nitrogen20.95% oxygen0.930% argon
95.97% carbon dioxide1.93% argon
1.89% nitrogen
Atmosphere density 1.2 Kg/ m3 0.020Kg/m3
Rationale for biking on Mars
1. Effectiveness of biking (x10 less power than on Earth)
2. 10x wider radius (100x area) on bike than walking
3. More mission flexibility than just 1 rover (e-truck);
4. New Mars Space suit (MIT approach)
Effectiveness of biking • In terms of the amount of energy a person must expend to travel a given
distance, cycling is calculated to be the most efficient self-powered means of transportation. Total Cycling Power is up to x10 lower on Mars.
• Total Power=P{Air Drag}+P{Rolling}+P{Slope}+P{Acceleration})/ Mechanical_efficiency_drive_train.
Earth Mars
P (Air Drag) 125 5
P (Rolling Resistance) 25 8.5
P (Slope) 25 8.5
P (Acceleration) 0 0
Total Power (W) 175 22
Increase up x100 Effective Exploration Area
• Green > walking exploration area (5km radius)
• Yellow > walking exploration area (5km radius)
• x10 wider radius (x100 area) on bike >> walking
5 Req. for Mars Bike
1. Needs to carry science pack (w/ support frame).
2. Power charging and navigational aids.
3. Extra oxygen supply on bike.
4. Bike can carry 2 astronauts if needed.
5. 10.000€ Budget for functional prototype.
Design Dilemmas1. E-bike vs Human powered
2. Trike vs Bicycle
3. Tubeless vs Airless tires.
4. Full suspension vs no-suspension
5. Single Speed vs Multi-speed
6. Shaft vs Chain transmission.
7. Foldable vs Non-foldable.
8. Ship spare parts vs 3D print parts en route/ on site.
9. Steel frame vs ballast system (Carbon / 3D print parts).
10. Science Pack & Buddy astronaut