What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to develop a robust thermal design for the locomotion subsystem of the MMX rover IDEFIX for exploration on Phobos.

May 9, 2026

Optimizing Cold Resistance: The Thermal Design of the MMX Rover IDEFIX's Locomotion Subsystem for the Martian Moon Phobos

Key Points

The aim is to develop a robust thermal design for the locomotion subsystem of the MMX rover IDEFIX for exploration on Phobos.
Developed thermal strategies including advanced heater zone designs with double-layer heat foils and thermal straps.
Optimized material selections to mitigate thermal expansion issues and cold welding risks.
Included spring elements to maintain necessary preload forces under low temperature conditions.
Achieved resilience of the locomotion subsystem under extreme cold, enhancing rover functionality during the night cycle.
Successfully integrated mechatronic components with thermal isolation to prevent performance degradation.
Demonstrated robust rover operations after ballistic landing through effective thermal management solutions.

Abstract

The Martian Moon eXploration (MMX) mission, spearheaded by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is set to launch in 2024. Its objectives are to conduct the first sample-return of the moon Phobos and collect further scientific data by observing the moon Deimos. The main goal is to understand the origin of both Martian moons. Within this mission, the MMX rover IDEFIX, a collaborative development of the French Centre National d'Éttudes Spatiales (CNES) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR), is designated to serve as a mobile scout and explore the surface of Phobos. Functioning in microgravity, it will perform on-site scientific measurements using various on-board instruments and contribute data for JAXA's sample collecting task. The locomotion subsystem (LSS) of the MMX rover, developed, built, and qualified by DLR's Robotics and Mechatronics Center (RMC), holds a pivotal role in achieving the rover's objectives. It is designed to conduct several high-level requirements, such as the uprighting of the rover after ballistic landing, alignment of the solar cells towards the sun, as well as offering different driving modes to interact with Phobos surface. To ensure the resilience of the LSS under demanding conditions, especially the harsh environment during the cruise phase and the extremely low temperatures of Phobos surface during the night, a comprehensive thermal design was developed. This includes strategies like utilizing an advanced heater zone design featuring double-layer heat foils, thermal straps, SLI foils and material coatings, as well as thermally isolate sensitive mechatronic subcomponents. The design was additionally optimized, e.g. by a careful choice of material combinations to address thermal expansion concerns, while taking precautions against cold welding, and the incorporation of spring elements to maintain preload forces. This paper offers a comprehensive examination of DLR RMC's design for addressing the thermal demands of the LSS in various mission phases.

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