NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

Relevant Technical 

Requirements

Extraterrestrial 

Surface Transport 

Vehicles (Rovers)

OCHMO-TB-023

Rev A

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2, Rev D

[V2 6154] Extraterrestrial Surface Transport 

Vehicle Sustained Translation Acceleration Limits

[V2 6155] Extraterrestrial Surface Transport 

Vehicle Translation Jerk Limits

[V2 6156] Extraterrestrial Surface Transport 

Vehicle Blunt Trauma Limits

[V2 6160] Extraterrestrial Surface Transport 

Vehicle Vibration Limits for Health and 

Performance

[V2 Section 7.6] Stowage Provision and 

Accessibility

[V2 8033] Restraints for Crew Tasks

[V2 8038] Restraint and Mobility 

Aid Standardization

[V2 8106] Extraterrestrial Surface Transport 

Vehicle (ESTV) Dashboard and Control Lighting

[V2 Section 8.7] Lighting

[V2 Section 10.1] General for 

Performance and Crew Interfaces

[V2 Section 10.2] Layout of Displays and Controls

[V2 Section 10.3] Displays

[V2 Section 10.4] Control Design

[V2 10073] Control Operation Supports 

and Restraints

[V2 10083] Communications System Design

[V2 10084] Communication Capability

[V2 Section 10.6] Automated and 

Robotic Systems

[V2 Section 10.7] Information Management

[V2 12024] Restraints and Platforms

Executive Summary

During any mission to an extraterrestrial 

surface, the presence of a transport 

vehicle (rover) will allow crewmembers 

to travel farther from their lander or 

base, carry more equipment, and 

perform medical evacuations. The rover 

presents its own set of risks and 

challenges, which must be overcome in 

accordance with technical requirements 

listed in NASA-STD-3001. Lessons 

learned from the Apollo program can be 

applied to ongoing design and 

implementation of lunar and planetary 

rovers.

*To prevent the list of technical requirements from being 

bloated, many referenced individual technical requirements have 

been merged into references to sections within NASA-STD-3001.
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-023

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicles

(Rovers)

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Background

Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV)

2

Features

• Empty mass: 210 kg

• Max payload: 490 kg

• Length x Width: 3.0 m x 2.1 m

• Ground clearance: 0.3 m

• Top speed: 18 km/h

• Range: 92 km

• Crew: 2

Mishaps

On three separate instances during Apollo 15-17, a fender broke, causing the crewmembers and 

equipment to be covered with Lunar dust during LRV operation. During Apollo 17, a makeshift fender was 

improvised to limited effect for the remainder of the mission.

Stowage and Deployment

The LRV was designed to be folded and stored in an 

external panel of the Lunar Module. The diagram on the 

left shows a crewmember unfolding and lowering the 

LRV into position.

Walkback Limit

Even though the LRV battery allowed for a maximum range of 92 km, in practice crewmembers never drove 

it farther than the 7.6 km “Walkback Limit,” the maximum distance a crewmember would be able to travel 

on foot if the LRV stopped working.

11/28/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-023

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicles

(Rovers)

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Required Capabilities

Application

3

Communication/Displays/Interfaces:

[V2 Sections 10.1-10.5, 10.7]

Restraints: [V2 8033], [V2 8038], 

[V2 8102], [V2 10073], [V2 12024]

Exterior Lighting:

[V2 Section 8.7]

Interior Lighting:

[V2 Section 5.1] , [V2 Section 8.7]

Automation/Remote Operation:

[V2 Section 10.6]

Payload Stowage:

[V2 Section 7.6]

Acceleration/Vibration:

[V2 6154], [V2 6155], [V2 6156], [V2 6160]

11/28/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-023

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicles

(Rovers)

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Required Capabilities

Application

4

Transportation

• The primary purpose of a rover is to transport crew and cargo safely. Maximum range, top speed, and 

crew capacity are among the considerations driven by mission requirements, surface environment, 

and design limitations.

• Crewmembers will be subject to acceleration and vibration while the rover is operating.

Payload stowage

• The crew must be able to transport tools and equipment in the rover, as well as any collected 

research material (e.g., soil samples).

Communication/Displays/Interfaces

• This includes communication to the lander/base camp, and communication to Earth-based ground 

crew.

Automation/Remote Operation

• Depending on the mission, the rover might need a remote operation capability, or a follow-along 

function. The same requirements that govern other automated systems would apply here.

Lighting

• For operations during Lunar night or located in shadowed areas, headlights or an equivalent lighting 

system can aid in navigation or illuminate a work area.

11/28/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-023

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicles

(Rovers)

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Application

5

Required Capabilities: Transportation

Maximum Operational Range

• Just like during Apollo, a rover may have a larger range than the maximum operational range to which 

it is deployed. If a mission abides by a Walkback Limit, that distance will be determined by the life 

support capabilities of the suit, physical conditioning of the crewmember, extraterrestrial terrain, etc. 

The risk assessment of the Walkback Limit will be affected by the reliability of the rover (the likelihood 

that it breaks) or mitigated if a mission has multiple rovers.

Terrain

• As a rover is being designed, an assessment of the expected extraterrestrial terrain must be 

performed. The Lunar surface, for example, is strewn with rocks and boulders, and extremely dusty. A 

Lunar rover will not only have to navigate obstacles, but also prevent dust from being flung onto 

crewmembers and equipment.

Crew Safety

• The crew will need to be restrained to the rover through seatbelts or other solutions that do not hinder 

any necessary activities, such as driving. Normal considerations for usability by suited crewmembers 

will need to be made.

• [V2 8033] Restraints for Crew Tasks, [V2 8038] Restraints for Crew Tasks, [V2 10073] Control 

Operation Supports and Restraints, [V2 12024] Restraints and Platforms

Lunar surface showing rocks and 

uneven terrain Apollo 17 EVA routes. The longest trip covered 20.1 km and reached a 

maximum distance of 7.6 km away from the lunar module.

11/28/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-023

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicles

(Rovers)

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Application

6

Required Capabilities: Transportation

As with any moving vehicle, a rover will expose occupants to accelerations and vibrations during operation, 

the severity of which will be determined by velocity, turning radius, extraterrestrial terrain, seat design, etc. 

NASA-STD-3001 has general acceleration (linear and rotational) and vibration technical requirements, as 

well as ones specific to rovers. Any rover will have to limit accelerations and vibrations experienced by the 

crew to limits defined in those technical requirements.

• Volume 2 Section 6.5: Acceleration and Dynamic Loads

• Volume 2 Section 6.7: Vibration

Translational Acceleration and Jerk

• Similar to a terrestrial vehicle, a rover will 

primarily move in the X-axis relative to the driver 

and passengers when properly seated. However, 

experimental rover designs are showing some 

potential differences that would introduce new 

considerations, such as standing operators and 

omni-rotational wheels. In addition, the Lunar 

surface combined with lower gravity will 

introduce Z-axis accelerations that are 

experienced on earth.

• [V2 6154] Extraterrestrial Surface Transport 

Vehicle Sustained Translation Acceleration 

Limits, [V2 6155] Extraterrestrial Surface 

Transport Vehicle Translation Jerk Limits

Blunt Trauma

• The Lunar surface could present turbulent rides 

where crewmembers are rocked in their suits. 

Restraints within suits themselves are limited, 

so there will be a risk of blunt trauma when 

rocks and other obstacles are encountered.

• [V2 6156] Extraterrestrial Surface Transport 

Vehicle Blunt Trauma Limits

Vibration

• The same considerations from the above 

technical requirements will also apply to 

vibrations.

• [V2 6160] Extraterrestrial Surface Transport 

Vehicle Vibration Limits for Health and 

Performance

Human body-axis reference frame used in NASA STD-3001

Car crash test showing blunt force to a dummy

Reference OCHMO-TB-024 Acceleration Technical Brief for additional 

information.

11/28/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-023

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicles

(Rovers)

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Sample Storage

• The mission might require the collection and storage of samples and specimens. Volume must be 

allocated to accommodate these items, with appropriate containment and isolation.

Stowage Technical Requirements

• Volume 2 Section 7.6: Stowage Provision and Accessibility

Application

7

Required Capabilities: Payload Stowage

Reference OCHMO-TB-025 Cabin Architecture Technical Brief for 

additional information on stowage.

Integrated architecture

• The payload and stowage requirements of the system will be dictated by the needs of the 

mission. Those needs must be balanced with the capabilities of the rover (maximum payload, 

stowage volume, etc.).

Tools and equipment

• Each piece of equipment must be stored in a dedicated location accessible by a suited 

crewmember.

Apollo lunar rover with payload

11/28/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-023

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicles

(Rovers)

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Displays

• Displays must be legible by a suited crewmember; it must 

be designed with consideration for the helmet and visor 

worn during the mission. Display design must also take 

vehicle motion/turbulence into account.

• [V2 Section 10.1: General for Performance and Crew 

Interfaces], [V2 Section 10.3: Displays], [V2 Section 10.7: 

Information Management]

Interfaces

• Interfaces must be operable by a suited crewmember 

during all phases of vehicle operation. An ergonomic and 

anthropometric analysis will determine the placement and 

arrangement of interfaces to facilitate vehicle operation.

• Volume 2 Section 10.2: Layout of Displays and Controls, 

Volume 2 Section 10.4: Control Design

Application

8

Required Capabilities: Communication, Displays, & Interfaces

Reference OCHMO-TB-005 Usability, Workload, and Error 

Technical Brief for additional information.

Communications

• Communications through the rover will be 

limited due to the restraints of space, but 

data can still be collected, sent, and received 

between the rover, crewmembers, lunar 

systems and ground control.

• [V2 10083] Communication System Design, 

[V2 10084] Communication Capability

Rendition of Artemis lunar rover interface

Apollo lunar rover control panel

11/28/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-023

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicles

(Rovers)

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Application

9

Required Capabilities: Automation & Remote Operation

Reference OCHMO-TB-017 Automated and Robotic Systems Technical 

Brief for additional information.

Remote Operation

• The mission may require the crew to operate the rover remotely to support EVAs. The rover may 

be delivered to the extraterrestrial surface during an uncrewed mission, and driven remotely to 

the human landing site, or the rover may be used to shuttle supplies between two worksites.

Follow-Along

• The rover may need to operate semi-autonomously, such as during follow-along tasks, where an 

uncrewed rover follows a crewmember traveling on foot at a set distance and behavior profile.

Automation Technical Requirements

• Volume 2 Section 10.6: Automated and Robotic Systems

11/28/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-023

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicles

(Rovers)

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Additional Lamps/Lighting

• The rover may be equipped to provide additional lighting at a task site. This could include active 

measures such as a posable spotlight, or passive measures such as reflectors to enhance existing 

natural light.

Lighting Technical Requirements

• Volume 2 Section 8.7: Lighting

• [V2 8106] Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicle (ESTV) Dashboard and Control Lighting

Application

10

Required Capabilities: Lighting

Reference OCHMO-TB-001 Artemis Lighting Considerations Technical Brief and 

OCHMO-TB-026 Lighting Design Technical Brief for additional information.

Lighting

• For operations during Lunar night or located in shadowed areas, headlights or an equivalent lighting 

system can aid in navigation or illuminate a work area.

Headlights

• Like any vehicle, forward-facing lights will aid in navigation and help avoid obstacles.

Interior Lighting

• For unpressurized rovers, interior 

lighting refers to lighting for onboard items, such as displays and 

controls.

• Depending on if a display is 

backlight, it will either be 

unintelligible in areas that are 

exceedingly well lit or near 

complete darkness. Interior 

lighting, coupled with display 

design, must account for the large 

range of potential illumination 

levels.

11/28/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-023

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicles

(Rovers)

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Reference Data

11

The Dangers of Dust: Apollo 17 (1972) Rover Mishap

Reference OCHMO-TB-011 Lunar 

Dust Technical Brief for additional 

information.

"Oh, you won't believe it. Ahh, there goes a fender! Oh, 

shoot!" - Gene Cernan

During EVA 1 for Apollo 17, a hammer on astronaut Gene 

Cernan's suit caught the rear passenger fender extension 

of the lunar rover and tore it off. This allowed a large 

amount of lunar to be flung at the Gene and equipment 

on the rover.

The broken piece was replaced using four maps of the 

lunar surface, duct tape, and telescope clamps.

Lunar rover with the fender replacement

Gene Cernan after EVA 3 with lunar dust on the lower 

half of his suit

For EVA activities, lunar dust can negatively 

impact visibility and performance.

Fender damage also occurred on Apollos 15 

and 16, meaning that it has happened on all 

missions with EVA rover activity.

Future rover design should take events like 

this and other possible failures into 

consideration.

11/28/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-023

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicles

(Rovers)

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Reference Data

12

Acceleration, Vibration and Jerk Requirements

Acceleration, Vibration and Jerk Technical Requirements were developed by tailoring information 

from various existing technical requirements

Acceleration and Jerk technical requirements were tailored from:

• SLS Emergency Egress System requirements which are based on ASTM F2291 standard for 

amusement park ride design

Vibration Health and Performance technical requirements were tailored from:

• NASA-STD-3001, Nasa Space Flight Human-system Standard, Volume 2: Human Factors, 

Habitability, And Environmental Health

• ISO 2631-1, Mechanical vibration and shock — Evaluation Of Human Exposure To Wholebody Vibration

• MIL-STD-1472H, and MIL-STD-1472G, Department Of Defense Design Criteria Standard: 

Human Engineering

Blunt Trauma technical requirements are based on NASA Anthropometry and Biomechanics Facility 

testing data

General Assumptions for all Requirements

• Unpressurized crewed ESTV/rover

• Crew will be wearing an EVA spacesuit

• Intra-suit restraints vs no intra-suit restraints

• Performance & Crew Health limits 

• Foot restraints for all restraint configurations and considerations

• Design must include seatback

• Crew may not impact/contact each other laterally

11/28/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-023

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicles

(Rovers)

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

NASA Category 0

Standing 

Unrestrained 

with Support Aids

NASA Category 1

Seated 

Unrestrained 

without Support 

Aids

NASA Category 2

Seated with 

Sufficient 

Support Aids

NASA Category 3

Seated with 

Restraints

NASA Category 4

Seated with Full 

Restraints

+/- Ax

(Eyeballs In/Out) |Ax| ≤ 0.3g

-0.3g ≤ Ax ≤ 1.8g

If Az > 0.7g:

-0.45g ≤ Ax ≤ 1.8g

-0.7g ≤ Ax ≤ 3.0g -2.0g ≤ Ax ≤ 4.0g |Ax| ≤ 4.0g

+/- Ay

(Eyeballs 

Right/Left)

|Ay| ≤ 0.3g

|Ay| ≤ 0.3g

If Az ≥ 0.7g:

|Ay| ≤ 0.45g

|Ay| ≤ 1.0g |Ay| ≤ 1.0g |Ay| ≤ 1.0g

+/- Az

(Eyeballs 

Down/Up) 

Gravity is +1.0g (Az)

0.7g ≤ Az ≤ 1.3g 0.2g ≤ Az ≤ 1.5g 0.2g ≤ Az ≤ 1.8g

-0.5g ≤ Az ≤ 2.0g

If time > 30s:

0g ≤ Az ≤ 2.0g

-0.5g ≤ Az ≤ 2.0g

If time > 30s:

0g ≤ Az ≤ 2.0g

For ground emergency egress systems (EES), the system shall limit the magnitude and direction of crew 

exposure to accelerations according to following tables, EES Acceleration Limits – Sustained, and EES 

Acceleration Limits – Jerk.

NASA Category 

0

Standing 

Unrestrained 

with Support 

Aids

NASA Category 1

Seated 

Unrestrained 

without Support 

Aids

NASA Category 

2

Seated 

Unrestrained 

with Sufficient 

Support Aids

NASA Category 

3 

Seated with 

Restraints

NASA Category 4

Seated with 

Restraints

dAx/dt 3g/s 10g/s 20g/s 30g/s 40g/s

dAy/dt 3g/s 3g/s 10g/s 10g/s 10g/s

dAz/dt 4.5g/s 10g/s 12g/s 20g/s 20g/s

Verification will determine whether any of the sustained acceleration limits in Table 12.2-2 are exceeded for more 

than 200 ms for any passenger, given their assumed orientation and level of restraint. Per ASTM-F2291-20, section 

7.1.1.2, all measured or simulated acceleration time histories will be post processed using a 4th-order, single pass, 

Butterworth low-pass filter with a corner frequency of 5 Hz.

Reference Data

13

Emergency Egress Acceleration and Jerk Limits

ESTV/Rover applicability: With the existing suit designs at NASA, there are insufficient head and 

neck restraints to qualify for NASA Category 4 limits, so Category 3 was used to derive limits. 

Table 12.2-2—EES Acceleration Limits - Jerk

Table 12.2-1—EES Acceleration Limits - Sustained

11/28/2023

Rev A

All referenced tables and figures are available in full in NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2 Revision D.
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-023

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicles

(Rovers)

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Acceleration Vector

Lap & Shoulder 

Restraint Rigid HUT Attachment

Seated Seated Standing

+x Ax ≤ 39.24m/s2 Ax ≤ 39.24m/s2 Ax ≤ 39.24m/s2

-x Ax ≥ -19.62m/s2 Ax ≥ -19.62m/s2 Ax ≥ -19.62m/s2

±y |Ay| ≤ 9.81m/s2 |Ay| ≤ 9.81m/s2 |Ay| ≤ 9.81m/s2

+z Az ≤ 19.62m/s2 Az ≤ 19.62m/s2 Az ≤ 9.81m/s2 *

-z

Az ≥ -4.9m/s2 if time < 

30s Az > 0m/s2 if time ≥ 

30s

Az ≥ -4.9m/s2 if time < 

30s Az > 0m/s2 if time ≥ 

30s

Az ≥ -1.57m/s2 *

* Assumes occupant has had time to adjust to extraterrestrial gravity

Reference Data

14

Sustained Translation Acceleration Requirements (> 0.5 seconds)

For acceleration, the physics of the celestial environment will limit the exposure duration to Az making the 

specified limits acceptable. With that, the following requirements were derived using the NASA Category 3 

limits for EES. Refer to [V2 6154] Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicle Sustained Translation 

Acceleration Limits for the detailed technical requirement and rationale.

The limits in the table below represent safe levels of sustained translational acceleration under 

nominal and off-nominal conditions. Exposure to accelerations above these limits could create a risk 

of occupant injury and significantly affect human performance for maneuvering and interacting with 

the rover. The physics of the lunar and/or Martian environment will limit the exposure duration to Az 

making the specified limits acceptable. The Ax and Ay limits must be met by a combination of vehicle 

design and con-ops (planned time versus distance of vehicle transits taking into consideration the 

traversed lunar/Martian terrain) which will limit exposure magnitude and duration.

Sample Calculation

+x: 4g x 9.81 m/s2 = 39.24 m/s2

-x: -2g x 9.81 m/s2 = -19.62 m/s2

Table 6.5-10—Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicle Sustained Translation Acceleration Limits

11/28/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-023

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicles

(Rovers)

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Reference Data

15

Jerk Requirements

Following ASTM F2291-21, Section 7.1.1.2 guidance, the jerk limits were obtained by taking the differences 

between the +/- acceleration limits for the corresponding NASA Category 3 in the acceleration table and 

dividing the difference by the respective body axis’s minimum onset duration (the minimum time before 

describing “transient” jerk) of 200ms for the x- and y-axes and 133ms for the z-axis. Information from that 

using the NASA Category 3 jerk limits were used to derive the following requirements. Refer to [V2 6155]

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicle Translation Jerk Limits for the detailed technical requirement 

and rationale.

This requirement assumes 1) no intra-suit restraints other than a standard harness 

seen in previous iterations of the EMU-style suit configurations, 2) the vehicle 

provides proper foot restraints and back support in the proposed design, and 3) an 

occupant envelope that restricts the crew from contacting each other laterally. 

Additional occupant restraints in the form of inserts and suit modifications were not 

considered. 

Sample Calculation

X axis: 

a) Difference of respective body axis

4 g - 2 g = 6 g

b) Conversion to m/s2

6 g x 9.81 m/s2 = 58.86 m/s2

c) Dividing by axis onset duration

58.86 m/s2 / 200 ms = 294m/s3

Table 6.5-11—Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicle Translation Jerk Limits

11/28/2023

Rev A

Jerk Vector

Lap & Shoulder 

Restraint Rigid HUT Attachment

Seated Seated Standing

dAx/dt 294m/s3 294m/s3 294m/s3

dAy/dt 98m/s3 98m/s3 98m/s3

dAz/dt 196m/s3 196m/s3 98m/s3
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-023

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicles

(Rovers)

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Reference Data

16

Vibration Requirements

For vibration requirements, data from ISO2631-1 was adopted to ensure health and safety of the crew 

members (Section A in graph below) , data from MIL-STD-1472G/H was adopted to determined levels for 

performance and comfort (sections B and C in graph below). Exposure to accelerations above these limits 

could create a risk of occupant injury and significantly affect human performance for maneuvering and 

interacting with the ESTV. Refer to [V2 6160] Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicle Vibration Limits 

for Health and Performance for the detailed technical requirement and rationale.

Zone A 

Derived Health and 

performance 

guidance from 

ISO2631-1 for short 

duration exposures 

(1s ≤ t ≤ 17s) 

Zones B and C 

Derived Health and 

performance guidance 

from MIL-STD-1472G/H

for Zone B

(17s < t < 6hr) 

and 

Zone C

(6hr < t < 24hr)

11/28/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-023

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicles

(Rovers)

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Reference Data

17

Special Considerations: Pressurized Rovers

Features Specific to Pressurized Rovers 

Compared to Unpressurized Rovers

Habitable Volume

• The crew must have space to perform 

intravehicular tasks while suited or unsuited, 

including vehicle operation, EVA suit 

donning/doffing, IVA translation, etc.

• Day-to-day tasks such as eating, sleeping, 

personal hygiene, and waste management 

must be accommodated.

Environmental Control and Life Support

• Temperature, pressure, and oxygen levels 

must be controlled.

• There will be a risk for dust inhalation by 

unsuited crewmembers.

Consumables

• Air, water, and food must be provided to 

crew for the duration of the mission.

For all intents and purposes, a pressurized rover (JAXA concept shown below) is functionally similar to any 

other habitable volume. It must keep unsuited crew alive and support mission tasks while adhering to 

program requirements.

11/28/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-023

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicles

(Rovers)

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Back-Up

18 11/28/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-023

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicles

(Rovers)

Original  Rev A

• Updated information and standards to be consistent with 

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 1 Rev C and Volume 2 Rev D.

Major Changes Between Revisions

11/28/2023

Rev A 19
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-023

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicles

(Rovers)

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2 Revision D

[V2 6154] Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicle Sustained Translation Acceleration Limits The 

extraterrestrial surface transport vehicle (ESTV) system shall limit the magnitude of crewmember 

exposure to sustained (>0.5 seconds) translational acceleration by staying below the limits in Table 6.5-

10—Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicle Sustained Translation Acceleration Limits, which specify the 

±Ax, ±Ay, and ±Az translational acceleration limits appropriate for specific restraint conditions.

[V2 6155] Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicle Translation Jerk Limits The extraterrestrial surface 

transport vehicle (ESTV) system shall limit the crewmember exposure to translational jerk to the limits 

given in Table 6.5-11—Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicle Translation Jerk Limits, which specifies 

the ±Ax, ±Ay, and ±Az translational jerk limits appropriate for specific restraint conditions.

[V2 6156] Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicle Blunt Trauma Limits The extraterrestrial surface 

transport vehicle (ESTV) system shall limit the crewmember exposure to blunt trauma forces to the limits 

given in Figure 6.5-9—Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicle Blunt Force Maximum Allowable Depth of 

Compression Limits (Seated or Standing Vehicle Occupants), which specifies the maximum allowable 

depth of compression across the occupant body (seated or standing), and below 18 pounds-force (lbf) 

across boney locations of concern outlined in Figure 6.5-10—Anthropometric Locations for Blunt Trauma 

Limits & Boney Locations of Concern:

a. Manubrium of the Sternum – Point 1

b. Sternum (body) – Point 2

c. Clavicle – Points 10 & 11

d. Lateral aspect of the Thorax – Points 22 & 23

e. Vertebral Column – Points 40, 41, & 42

f. Cervical Spine (C7) – Point 48

g. Scapula – Point 31

h. Spine – Point 39

i. Acromion Process – Point 49

j. Elbow (olecranon process) – Point 61

[V2 6160] Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicle Vibration Limits for Health and Performance The 

extraterrestrial surface transport vehicle (ESTV) system shall limit crewmember exposure to vibration to 

less than the limits given in Figure 6.7-2—Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicle Vibration Limits 

(Seated or Standing Vehicle Occupants) and Table 6.7-2—Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicle 

Vibration Limits (Seated or Standing Vehicle Occupants), which specify the allowable accumulated 

duration (dosage per 24-hour day) of vibration for both standing or seated crewmembers in all restraint 

conditions. 

All referenced tables and figures are available in NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2 Revision D.

Referenced Technical Requirements

20

View the current versions of NASA-STD3001 Volume 1 & Volume 2 on the 

OCHMO Standards website

11/28/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-023

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicles

(Rovers)

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2 Revision D

[V2 Section 7.6] Stowage Provision and Accessibility

[V2 8033] Restraints for Crew Tasks The system shall provide restraints for expected crew operations.

[V2 8038] Restraint and Mobility Aid Standardization

Restraints and mobility aids shall be standardized, clearly distinguishable, and located to aid 

crewmembers in starting or stopping movement, changing direction or speed, or translating equipment.

[V2 8106] Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicle (ESTV) Dashboard and Control Lighting The system 

shall provide active lighting and attenuation of solar light for manual controls (e.g., unpressurized surface 

transport vehicle joystick controls, switches and dashboard) and display screens to be visible in all 

potential natural light levels, including complete darkness. 

[V2 Section 8.7] Lighting

[V2 Section 10.1] General for Performance and Crew Interfaces

[V2 Section 10.3] Displays

[V2 Section 10.2] Layout of Displays and Controls

[V2 Section 10.4] Control Design

[V2 10073] Control Operation Supports and Restraints The system shall provide body or limb supports 

and restraints that enable accurate crew control of applicable interfaces and prevent inadvertent control 

inputs during expected microgravity, acceleration, and vibration conditions.

[V2 10083] Communications System Design Communication systems shall be designed to support 

coordinated and collaborative distributed teamwork.

[V2 10084]Communication Capability The system shall provide the capability to send and receive 

communication among crewmembers, spacecraft systems, and ground systems to support crew 

performance, behavioral health, and safety.

[V2 Section 10.6] Automated and Robotic Systems

[V2 Section 10.7] Information Management

[V2 12024] Restraints and Platforms The system shall accommodate restraint and platform placement 

that ensures the reach and work envelope of the suited or unsuited ground support personnel for the 

required tasks.

All referenced tables and figures are available in NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2 Revision D.

Referenced Technical Requirements

21

View the current versions of NASA-STD3001 Volume 1 & Volume 2 on the 

OCHMO Standards website

11/28/2023

Rev A
NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief

OCHMO-TB-023

Extraterrestrial Surface Transport Vehicles

(Rovers)

NASA Office of the Chief Health & Medical Officer (OCHMO)

This Technical Brief is derived from NASA-STD-3001 and is for reference only.

It does not supersede or waive existing Agency, Program, or Contract requirements.

Reference List

1. Campbell, M. (2015). Duct Tape Auto Repair on the Moon. National Air and Space Museum. 

https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/duct-tape-auto-repair-moon

2. Creel, R. (2005). Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) Missing Fender Extension Saga. 

NASA. https://www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/LRV_Fender_Extensions.pdf

22 11/28/2023

Rev A