An algorithm was developed that automatically processes images captured by the HiRISE camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter to identify and locate the presence of purgatoids in monochrome images.
Purgatoids are eolian bedforms that present significant mobility risks to wheeled vehicles on Mars. The algorithm employs a series of filters and image processing steps to enhance the images and isolate each purgatoid. Classification is finally achieved by applying a series of selection criteria.
This work was done by Paolo Bellutta of Caltech and Steven B. Wood of the University of Nevada, Reno for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
The software used in this innovation is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Dan Broderick at
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Automated Purgatoid Identification
(reference NPO-48331) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package for Automated Purgatoid Identification, associated with NASA Tech Brief NPO-48331. It outlines the efforts to develop technologies for identifying geological features on Mars known as purgatoids, which can present challenges for rover missions. The project is part of the broader Commercial Technology Program of NASA, aimed at making aerospace-related developments accessible for wider technological, scientific, or commercial applications.
Key contributors to the project include Dr. George Bebis from the University of Nevada, Reno, and Paolo Bellutta from the Surface System Perception Group at Caltech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The document emphasizes the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and NASA in advancing space exploration technologies.
The Technical Support Package provides documentation and resources related to the project, highlighting the innovative methodologies employed in the identification and analysis of purgatoids. These geological features are significant for understanding the Martian landscape and ensuring the safety and efficiency of rover operations. The document also mentions the use of advanced imaging techniques, likely involving data from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, to enhance the identification process.
Additionally, the document includes contact information for further inquiries, specifically directing interested parties to the Innovative Technology Assets Management office at JPL. It also includes a disclaimer regarding the liability of the United States Government and the use of trade names, clarifying that such mentions are for identification purposes only and do not imply official endorsement.
Overall, the document serves as a resource for researchers and technologists interested in the intersection of space exploration and automated identification technologies, showcasing NASA's commitment to innovation and collaboration in the field of planetary science. It reflects the ongoing efforts to leverage advanced technology for the exploration of Mars, contributing to our understanding of the planet's geology and potential for future missions.
