Brief
Detail of C.A.T.S Probe
The CATS probe contains a small sealed compartment containing necessary (but minimalistic) diagnostic equipment necessary for preliminary reports from within the Gateway containment fields and features a shielded self-propelled alloy undercarriage to protect it from potential damaging EM exposure (or unknown variables) within the portal and containment fields. The temperature-control system features a redundant isotope heat source, in the event that temperature range drops below necessary operational levels. This is a redundant system, and perhaps unnecessary, but R&D information on the subject is still minimal. CATS also features a radio and television recorder, a command receiving unit array, a microbattery cell
unit (LEAKfree), and an additional backup battery pod. The remote control of the unit should be maintained via permanent cable connection, which also carries a small power feed for retrieval of the unit in the event of system battery failure. Progress is recorded on tapeless digital media and a micro-complex of other scientific instruments (thermometers, timers, EMF detectors, and the like).
The shielded self propelled alloy undercarriage allows for more equipment weight/load tolerances in the CATS unit as a whole. This undercarriage consists of the wheels, individual drive motors, reactive suspension elements, automatic motion-control devices (for stability and environment adaptability), a power management system leading to the battery pods from the cable connection, a small complex of sensors that are designed to monitor all assemblies and systems of both the undercarriage and the main body unit, and a device to transfer and manage data in the telemetry system.
The undercarriage had four sem-rigid drive wheels with retractable cleats in the rims of each wheel, in order to allow for greater adaptability in probe maneuverability. The wheels did not swivel beyond 20 degrees in each direction due to size restrictions and equipment consolidation, therefore the rover manages turn assistance by imparting different velocities to the left or right sides of the vehicle when necessary.
The CATS system total mass is ~11.20 kilograms, with the undercarriage weighing a mere 3.84 kilograms. Its speed ranges from 0.8 to 4 kilometers per hour
[with speeds +4 kmh possible only on flat, level, smooth surfaces]. |