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The communication accessibility of the lunar rover from the Earth to the Moon can provide a basis for the choice of ideal landing sites. In this paper, a mathematical model is established to study the communication accessibility affected by topography, by combining lunar digital elevation models (DEM) with known parameters related to lunar and earth' s orbit. The laser altimeter data obtained by 'Chang' E-1' can provide high accuracy DEM and can be as the data basis for this study. The research region is Sinus Iridum region (the preferred landing area of Chinese lunar exploration) and the lunar polar regions. The calculation period is from Oct. 1, 2013 to Oct. 30, 2013. The results show that (1) in the Sinus Iridum region, the communication condition between tracking stations (Beijing, Kunming, Shanghai and Urumchi) and the lunar rover is expedite, which is consistent with the region's flat terrain; (2) in the polar regions, the influence of topography on the communication condition is great because of the topography complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of manned lunar rovers' conceptual design is presented. Based on summarization and characteristic analysis of conceptual designs for manned lunar rovers, design trend is put forward. Lessons learned from the Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle are discussed. Then applications of Mechanics, terramechanics and dynamics in manned lunar rover are reviewed. By studying the fundamental configuration of the locomotive system, some new conceptual designs of locomotive system for three and four wheels rovers are carried out. Finally some key techniques related to the locomotive system of manned lunar rovers are discussed in depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]