A paper presents the concept of swarms of micron-sized and smaller carriers of sensing equipment, denoted generally as controllable granular matter, to be used in exploring remote planets and interplanetary space. The design and manufacture of controllable granular matter would exploit advances in microelectromechanical systems and nanotechnology. Depending on specific designs and applications, controllable granular matter could have characteristics like those of powders, sands, or aerosols, which would be dispersed into the environments to be explored: For example, sensory grains could be released into orbit around a planet, spread out over ground, or dispersed into wind or into a body of liquid. The grains would thus become integral parts of multiphase environments, where they would function individually and/or collectively to gather information about the environments. In cases of clouds of grains dispersed in outer space, it may be feasible to use laser beams to shape the clouds to perform specific functions. To enable the full utilization of controllable granular matter, it is necessary to advance the knowledge of the dynamics and controllable characteristics of both individual grains and the powders, sands, or aerosols of which they are parts.
This work was done by Marco Quadrelli of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Physical Sciences category. NPO-30708.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Swarms of Micron-Sized Sensors
(reference NPO-30708) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
Don't have an account?
Overview
The document is a technical support package prepared under the sponsorship of NASA, specifically focusing on the concept of controllable granular matter. It is associated with a new technology report from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and outlines innovative approaches to space exploration using granular materials.
The primary inventor, Marco B. Quadrelli, proposes the development of miniaturized carriers of sensing equipment, termed "femtosats" and "attosats." These tiny devices can be deployed in various ways: placed in orbit around planets, spread out from planetary rovers, or dispersed in the atmosphere as granular materials like sand or powder. The idea is to utilize these materials to collect scientific data or to work collaboratively in a distributed manner.
A significant motivation behind this research is the limitations of current large membrane optics used in space missions. The document suggests that aerosol clouds of granular matter could serve as a viable alternative, providing flexibility and adaptability for in-situ exploration. The granular matter can be actively controlled using coherent laser beams, allowing it to take precise shapes and behave similarly to dust in planetary rings.
The technical disclosure section highlights the novelty of this approach, emphasizing how it differs from prior art. The use of smart granular matter for exploration presents numerous advantages, particularly in the context of JPL's thrust areas, which include planetary science and remote sensing.
The document also outlines the potential impact of these granular clouds with embedded sensing equipment, suggesting that they could significantly enhance data collection capabilities in various environments. By leveraging the unique properties of granular materials, the proposed technology aims to address existing challenges in space exploration and improve the efficiency of scientific investigations.
In summary, this technical support package presents a forward-thinking concept that combines advanced materials science with space exploration, proposing a new paradigm for gathering data in challenging environments. The innovative use of controllable granular matter could pave the way for future missions, enabling more effective exploration of planets and other celestial bodies.
