Development of lunar nano rover

Abstract

This paper presents the current development status of the optional payload named Lunar Excursion Vehicle (LEV) for the Japanese future Lunar landing mission SLIM. The deployable exploration system LEV is released from the lander at the few meters above the Lunar surface after the lander’s terminal deceleration is finished. LEV consists of two probes that will move and observe around the landing site autonomously. They also help acquire the evidence of SLIM landing by taking pictures of the final status of the lander.