Rotorcraft as Mars Scouts

Abstract

Abstract-A new approach for the robotic exploration ofMars is detailed in this paper: the use of small, ultralightweight, autonomous rotary-wing aerial platforms. Missions based on robotic rotorcraft could make excellent candidates for NASA Mars Scout program. The paper details the work to date and future planning required for the development of such 'Mars rotorcraft.'

Mars rotorcraft: possibilities, limitations, and implications for human/robotic exploration

“…There is a considerable parallelism and dual-use application for planetary and terrestrial extreme environment field science. This parallelism continues to be exploited by the research outlined in this paper and earlier work [6]. The first MARTA test article design will not embody the features allowing it to collapse (fold/telescope) into a form suitable for stowage and deployment.…”

“…Further, a=0.03 and b=0 for t/R<0.2, and a=0 and b=0.1 when t/R>0.2 (assumes graphite epoxy tubing for landing gear). Note that the α parameter (which ranges between 0≤α≤1) distinguishes between landing gear arrangements for such unconventional designs (such as the coaxial rotor TAMS vehicle of [6]). …”

“…A Mars rotorcraft, in a purely robotic mission, will need to be autonomously recharged/refueled, transfer samples for more detail in-situ analysis, and be otherwise maintained. Therefore, automation in a system of systems (or a robotic ecology) context is crucial for the success of purely robotic Mars rotorcraft missions [4][5][6]. A typical mission profile for an "aerial surveyor" hybrid vehicle is illustrated in Fig.…”

“…5 Calibration factor derived from flight-qualified prototype Akkerman hydrazine reciprocating engine [23]. 6 Tech factor of unity used for RTL methodology for flight controls; however, RTL weight equation modified with a multiplier term that accounted for added control complexity for the quad-rotor coaxial-tandem helicopter configuration. This resulted in an estimate of a coaxial-tandem helicopter set of flight controls having 2.5 times higher weight than that for a single main rotor.…”

“…Reaching out and doing something while on the ground at remote sites is a key attribute of small robotic Mars rotorcraft. Recent research at NASA Ames is drawing heavily on bioinspiration to address some of these fundamental design questions as to "rotorcraft as robots" [2][3][4][5][6][7][8].…”