Lunar Rover Simulator

A terminal-based Python simulator created as the final project for the Stanford Code in Place course.

The Lunar Rover Simulator places the user in the role of a remote pilot tasked with operating a rover on the moon's surface. The program is driven entirely through terminal inputs and features state-machine validation and 2D grid spatial navigation.

Technical Features

• Finite State Machine: Initialization and shutdown protocols. The user cannot operate the engine without calibrating it, nor shut it down without verifying telemetry.
• 2D Grid Navigation: A dynamic 5x5 matrix map that updates the rover's [R] location in real-time.
• Collision Detection: Mathematical boundary checks prevent the rover from driving off the map or crashing into known geological obstacles [X].
• Clean UI: Terminal is cleared dynamically between states to provide a continuous, distraction-free "dashboard" experience.

How to Play

1. Ensure you have Python 3 installed.

2. Clone this repository or download the LunarRoverSimulator.py file.

3. Run the script in your terminal:

   python LunarRoverSimulator.py

4. Follow the on-screen prompts. Use the help command during the simulation if you need assistance with the protocols.

Acknowledgments

This project was developed as the final submission for Stanford University's Code in Place.