Concepts are being investigated for exploratory missions to Mars based on "Bioinspired Engineering of Exploration Systems" (BEES), which is a guiding principle of this effort to develop biomorphic explorers. The novelty lies in the use of a robust telecom architecture for mission data return, utilizing multiple local relays (including the lander itself as a local relay and the explorers in the dual role of a local relay) to enable ranges ~10 to 1,000 km and downlink of color imagery. As illustrated in Figure 1, multiple microflyers that can be both surface or aerially launched are envisioned in shepherding, metamorphic, and imaging roles. These microflyers imbibe key bio-inspired principles in their flight control, navigation, and visual search operations. Honey-bee inspired algorithms utilizing visual cues to perform autonomous navigation operations such as terrain following will be utilized. The instrument suite will consist of a panoramic imager and polarization imager specifically optimized to detect ice and water. For microflyers, particularly at small sizes, bio-inspired solutions appear to offer better alternate solutions than conventional engineered approaches.
This investigation addresses a wide range of interrelated issues, including desired scientific data, sizes, rates, and communication ranges that can be accomplished in alternative mission scenarios. The mission illustrated in Figure 1 offers the most robust telecom architecture and the longest range for exploration with two landers being available as main local relays in addition to an ephemeral aerial probe local relay. The shepherding or metamorphic plane are in their dual role as local relays and image data collection/storage nodes. Appropriate placement of the landing site for the scout lander with respect to the main mission lander can allow coverage of extremely large ranges and enable exhaustive survey of the area of interest. In particular, this mission could help with the path planning and risk mitigation in the traverse of the long distance surface explorer/rover. The basic requirements of design and operation of BEES to implement the scenarios are discussed. Terrestrial applications of such concepts include distributed aerial/surface measurements of meteorological events, i.e., storm watch, seismic monitoring, reconnaissance, biological chemical sensing, search and rescue, surveillance, autonomous security/protection agents, and/or delivery and lateral distribution of agents (sensors, surface/subsurface crawlers, clean-up agents). Figure 2 illustrates an Earth demonstration that is in development, and its implementation will illustrate the value of these biomorphic mission concepts.
This work was done by Sarita Thakoor and Norman Lay of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Butler Hine and Steven Zornetzer of Ames Research Center for the NASA Intelligent Systems Program. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Electronics/ Computers category.
NPO-30286
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Cooperative Lander-Surface/Aerial Microflyer Mission for Mars Exploration
(reference NPO-30286) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) detailing the Cooperative Lander-Surface/Aerial Microflyer Mission for Mars Exploration. It outlines innovative mission concepts that utilize bioinspired technology to enhance Mars exploration efforts.
The report introduces three viable mission concepts that aim to achieve new scientific objectives by employing microflyers—small aerial vehicles that can be launched from the surface or aerially. These microflyers are designed to work in synergy with existing land and aerial assets, enabling exploration of hard-to-reach geological areas and the collection of critical data regarding Mars' atmosphere and surface.
Key features of the proposed mission include a robust telecommunications architecture that allows for effective data return over ranges of approximately 10 to 1000 kilometers. This architecture incorporates multiple local relays, including the lander itself and the microflyers, which can serve dual roles as data relays. The mission aims to provide high-resolution imaging and data collection capabilities, addressing the limitations of current low-altitude orbiters that have restricted telecommunication windows.
The microflyers are inspired by insect flight and incorporate advanced navigation techniques, such as terrain following and smooth landing using optic flow. This bioinspired approach enhances their ability to navigate complex terrains and conduct autonomous operations. The innovative instrument suite on these microflyers includes panoramic imaging and polarization imaging, particularly focused on detecting ice and water, which are crucial for understanding Mars' geological history and potential for life.
The document emphasizes the importance of following water flow features on Mars, as identifying and imaging these features could lead to significant discoveries, including the potential for hydrothermal vents. The cooperative implementation of these microflyers is expected to facilitate extensive atmospheric and geological measurements across large areas, thereby advancing our understanding of Mars' environment.
Overall, the Technical Support Package presents a forward-thinking approach to Mars exploration, leveraging cutting-edge technology and collaborative strategies to enhance scientific inquiry and discovery on the Martian surface. The mission concepts outlined in the document are positioned to contribute significantly to future Mars exploration efforts, particularly in the search for evidence of life and understanding the planet's geological processes.
