NASA Inspired Rover Work in Progress

An open source, 3D printable 6-wheel rocker-bogie rover inspired by NASA’s Perseverance. All printable parts are available as 3MF files in the main GitHub repository. This project is focused specifically on being able to print the Rover. I did not design this rover. I am merely trying to make it easier to print. The original rover can be found here.

I am slowly going through each component. The grand majority appear ready to print. However, I have found that some need repairs or alterations. Some have broken object files and need major object repair. Those require more work. Other’s need alterations so they work as intended. For now my main focus is on getting the wheels & suspension as clean as possible. If you want to jump in and help please reach out. I am an absolute beginner and could definitely use the help.

This guide is here to provide the basics to be able to print and build the rover and the basics for the types of motors and servos that will fit. This will not cover wiring or needed control board and programming. In fact, I could use any help or suggestions you have in this regard! My plan is to build the basics, wheels and main body, and slowly start building out. I’ll be learning and tackling the wiring and programming as I go along with my 8 year old son.

⬇ View on GitHub
NASA Inspired 6-wheel rocker-bogie rover
🚧 Work in Progress This rover is actively being designed and built. Parts, documentation, and sections will be added and updated as the build progresses. Some parts may be duplicates or subject to change once physical prints are verified.

Questions or want to contribute? Reach out on GitHub.

📂 Parts by Section

⚙️
Wheel & Suspension
6-wheel rocker-bogie suspension with internal wiring.
103 printable parts
📦
Body
Main rover body panels.
7 printable parts
📷
Camera
Camera mount, tilt, and rotation system.
26 printable parts
🦾
Arm
5-axis arm with grip.
28 printable parts
🔧
Other Body Parts
Tank, antenna, mirror, cooling, solar and side mount parts.
47 printable parts

🛒 Parts to Purchase

Hardware

The following hardware must be purchased. Order the exact part or a dimensionally equivalent substitute. More purchased parts will be listed here as additional sections are completed.

PartQtySpecification / NotesSection
DC Drive Motors6×JGA25-370 with encoder, GA25-370, or similar 25mm x 69mm motor.Wheel & Suspension
Wheel Mounting Hub6×Wheel Motors may require HD Pololu universal aluminum mounting hub for 4mm shaft m3 holes.Wheel & Suspension
Servos10×MG996R or DS3218 Pro 20KG 180-Degree Digital Servo. I'm using the MG996R for the camera and arm servo's but the DS3218 for the wheels. May switch up or upgrade.Wheel & Suspension, Arm, Camera, Mirror
Servo Horn10×Not all servos may require generic 25T Disc Servo Horns so quantity may be off.Wheel & Suspension, Arm, Camera, Mirror
Servo Bolts40×Standard servo mounting bolt — This is likely an M3 bolt/screw but unsure until build time.Wheel & Suspension, Arm, Camera, Mirror
Ball Bearing 608RS5×608RS or equivalent.Wheel & Suspension, Camera
Ball Bearing 6005RS3×6005RS or equivalent — main linkage arm pivots.Wheel & Suspension
ESP32-Cam1×Generic ESPCam mount so lots of choices out there.Camera
M3 Nuts12×Standard M3 hex nuts (90592A085 or equivalent).Wheel & Suspension