An autonomous flying robot for Mars exploration
Abstract
An autonomous flying robot with vertical take-off/landing capabilities in the Martian atmosphere, which uses the lifting force of a rotor, is described. The Martian rotorcraft is powered by solar cells placed on the upper side of the rotor blades. Preliminary calculations demonstrate the feasibility of an autonomous solar-powered helicopter for Mars exploration based on the existing level of technology. A mission profile for a solar-powered helicopter for Mars is presented.
- Publication:
-
Graz International Astronautical Federation Congress
- Pub Date:
- October 1993
- Bibcode:
- 1993graz.iafcQR...S
- Keywords:
-
- Helicopters;
- Mars Atmosphere;
- Robots;
- Solar Cells;
- Space Exploration;
- Space Tools;
- Autonomy;
- Rotor Blades;
- Vertical Landing;
- Vertical Takeoff;
- Astronautics (General)