A Modular and Scalable Validation Framework for Planetary Rovers: Application to the ARDITO System

Planetary exploration increasingly relies on autonomous robotic systems, yet the rigorous validation of end-to-end system behavior remains a significant bottleneck, par ticularly for small, multidisciplinary teams lacking the resources of large space agencies. This work addresses this challenge by tailoring established aerospace testing principles into a modular, scalable framework that balances thoroughness with agility. We demonstrate its application on the ARDITO rover, a platform developed by the DIANA student team at Po litecnico di Torino. Our approach provides a lean yet structured validation pathway, bridging the gap between ad-hoc laboratory tests and full-scale qualification campaigns governed by ECSS or NASA standards. The framework defines four distinct, interconnected testing layers: Design Validation (DEV), which focuses on component-level verification (e.g., finite-element analysis, bread board testing, test-driven development) within individual technical departments; Reduced Functional Tests (RFT), used as rapid control points to validate integrated subsystems after major events like transport or configuration changes; Full Functional Tests (FFT), which comprehensively evaluate the fully integrated rover under controlled laboratory conditions; and Mission Tests (MST), which simulate realistic task scenarios in environments like AL TEC Martian Terrain Simulator to evaluate performance under mission constraints. This hybrid agile-lean approach offers a clear academic and practical contribution for research groups and early-stage projects, ensuring reliable, mission-ready performance.