MARTE: Technology development and lessons learned from a mars drilling mission simulation

Autor: J. Zavaleta, K. Davis, Matt Roman, Brian Glass, Alois Winterholler, Rosalba Bonaccorsi, Mark Branson, Lawrence G. Lemke, Howard Cannon, Stephen E. Dunagan, E. Mumm, David Miller, Carol R. Stoker, Javier Gómez-Elvira, Scott Christa, Jose Antonio Rodriguez-Manfredi, Gale Paulsen
Rok vydání: 2007
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Zdroj: Digital.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
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Popis: 29 pages, 21 figures, 2 tables.-- ISI Article Identifier: 000250768000006.-- Special issue: Mining Robotics.
The NASA Mars Astrobiology Research and Technology Experiment (MARTE) performed a field test simulating a robotic drilling mission on Mars in September 2005. The experiment took place in Minas de Riotinto in southwestern Spain, a highly relevant Mars analog site. The experiment utilized a 10 m class dry auger coring drill, a robotic core sample handling system, onboard science and life detection instruments, and a borehole inspection probe, all of which were mounted to a simulated lander platform. Much of the operation of the system was automated, and the resulting data were transmitted via satellite to remote science teams for analysis. The science team used the data to characterize the subsurface geology and to search for signs of life. Based on the data being received and operational constraints, the science team also directed the daily operation of the equipment. The experiment was highly successful, with the drill reaching over 6 m in depth in 23 days of simulated mission. The science team analyzed remote sensing data obtained from 28 cores and detected biosignatures in 12 core subsamples. This experiment represents an important first step in understanding the technology and operational requirements for a future Mars drilling mission. In the past there have been numerous rover field tests that have helped guide the design and implementation of the highly successful rover missions to Mars. However, a drilling mission potentially adds a new level of complexity, and it is important to understand the associated challenges. This paper documents the design of the experimental system, highlighting some of the more important design criteria and design trades. It also discusses the results of the field testing and lists some of the key technological lessons learned.
MARTE was jointly funded by the NASA Astrobiology Science and Technology for Exploring Planets (ASTEP) program through NRA 02-OSS-01. Partial funding for automation was provided by the NASA Intelligent Systems program. Spanish participation in MARTE was funded by the Centro de Astrobiología. We also thank the Museo Minero de Rio Tinto, Spain and the staff of the Vazquez Díaz Hotel in Nerva, Spain for providing field facilities and logistical support to the MARTE project.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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