Reddit mentions of Summit Flat Proof 12 X 16.5 Skid Steer Tires W/Rims Cat Deere Bobcat Gehl Solid

I understand the challenges, but they are just that, challenges, not show stoppers. That's what I'm trying to get across.

Plus SpaceX doesn't need some fancy NASA style rover, just a chassis to use as a tractor with standardized mounts.

Part of the first manned mission could be servicing the rovers consumable parts and blowing out the dust.

> Yes, for the S chassis it is serious work in the hyperloop tube but only for a short period of time.

And the rover wouldn't be doing serous work just puttering along so it's heat buildup matches it's radiative capacity in most situations. It's also in less gravity, a single model 3 motor sealed up tight would do.

> The problems really come from the cold.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_cooling

Also works fine for heating. Tesla's in cold climates already do battery heating.

https://electrek.co/2017/12/19/tesla-battery-pre-heating-feature-maximize-efficiency-cold-climates/

A rover model could simply use more insulation since it doesn't have to look pretty or be consumer friendly.

> NASA has had a very tough time designing light wheels because they are severely mass constrained for off world because flexible materials become brittle at the low temperatures we are talking about.

FTFY.

https://www.amazon.com/Summit-Proof-steer-Tires-Bobcat/dp/B00DU4VFVG

You might have to change the chemistry a bit but using more material solves NASA's problem. It's only a problem if you are pushing the limits of weight. Just don't do that.

What I imagine is an electric Bobcat built from a modified Roadster refresh "skate", without a riding compartment at all. Future colonists could add that part by bolting on a cockpit when they get there or just using a standard trailer hitch and pulling a human cattle cart.

The rover really only needs to operate 2 years and do some pretty simple tasks, not be a rolling science lab. The science lab parts can just be another trailer it pulls.

Basically use the extra mass fraction to KISS, instead of spending resources trying to cut every possible corner. Make something more tractor than "rover" as most people imagine.