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The Valles Marineris canyon on Mars is one of the most striking geological features in our solar system, stretching approximately 3,000 kilometers. Its impressive dimensions include a width of 600 kilometers and an average depth of 8 kilometers. The canyon was named after the Mariner spacecraft, which mapped the valley in the early 1970s.
Since 2012, the Valles Marineris has been the focus of a significant initiative by the German Space Agency, known as the VaMEx (Valles Marineris Explorer). This project aims to pioneer technologies necessary for robotic exploration of this challenging terrain using a swarm of diverse robotic systems. The proposed exploration will utilize drones that have capabilities for driving, walking, and flying.
The primary objective of the VaMEx initiative is to explore the canyon’s intricate gorges and caves, potentially searching for evidence of liquid water and habitats where life might exist. A swarm of interconnected autonomous robots will be deployed to carry out missions both on the Martian surface and within caves, where they can capture images and gather valuable data.
Focusing on Caves: A Strategic Target
Caves within Valles Marineris present particularly intriguing opportunities for exploration. Recent research has indicated the presence of entrances to large caves, even in locations like the Moon. These natural formations could serve not only as sites for future bases on Mars due to their protective advantages against cosmic radiation and harsh temperatures but also as environments that could harbor ancient life forms from a more hospitable geological past.
A collaborative effort involving teams from the Julius-Maximilians-Universität (JMU) Würzburg is contributing to this exploration, specifically in developing a robust communication network for the robotic swarm.
Composition of the Robotic Swarm
The design of this robotic swarm has been dubbed VaMEx3-MarsSymphony, likening its operations to a well-conducted orchestra, according to project leader Professor Hakan Kayal. As it stands, the swarm comprises aerial and terrestrial robots, a stationary command gateway on the Martian surface, and a satellite simulator designed for efficient data exchange.
An interesting aspect of the system is the use of repeater stations. When ground-based robots enter the caves, direct communication with the surface command center becomes impossible. To address this, the repeater stations will facilitate a communication chain to relay the data and images captured in the caves back to the surface.
Innovative Technology: Autorotation Bodies
Among the unique components of the swarm are autorotation bodies. These devices will be deployed from the air and glide down to the surface, collecting data during their descent. Inspired by the natural design of maple seeds, these elongated bodies spin gracefully, allowing for controlled distribution across a wide area, functioning as sensor nodes and part of the navigation system.
Clemens Riegler, who led the development of the autorotation technology during his studies, expressed enthusiasm over its integration into a Martian exploration project. Riegler continues his work on this system in his doctoral research, underscoring the significance of this project for future Mars missions.
Cameras and Observations: A New Perspective
The mission includes a novel feature: a camera on the gateway that will monitor the Martian sky. Traditionally, Mars missions have concentrated on surface studies; however, this initiative seeks to observe atmospheric phenomena such as cloud formation and meteor impacts. Previous seismic data indicated that Mars experiences frequent meteor strikes, which could be better understood through visual observation correlated with seismic activity.
Equipped with artificial intelligence, the UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) camera is designed to detect unusual celestial occurrences, setting a precedent for future atmospheric studies on Mars.
Challenges in Communication
Effective communication within the robotic network and with orbiting satellites is crucial for the success of the mission. Current lander technologies utilize S- or X-band frequencies, but transitioning to Ka-band communications could significantly enhance data transfer rates. An initiative with the Berlin firm IQ Technologies aims to develop Ka-band-capable transceivers to overcome these challenges.
Preparing for the Future: Analog Mission in 2025
A critical test for the robotic swarm will occur in 2025 during an analog mission on Earth, likely held in a German quarry. This simulation will scrutinize the communication resilience of the deployed systems. Should this trial prove successful, the next steps would involve adapting the hardware for deployment in Mars’ harsh environment, characterized by extreme temperatures and frequent dust storms.
Source
phys.org