Diving in
A flying drone created a 3D map of an Icelandic cave that was carved out by flowing lava in a matter of minutes, using LIDAR technology.
While cool enough on its own, scientists at the SETI Institute and NASA believe that the same basic technology could be used to map many caves that feature the surface of the moon and Mars, which according to a study to be presented this week at the 50th anniversary of the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference – and even finding them for life.
Lava is the floor
Andrew Horchler, Director of Future Missions and Technology at Astrobotic, the robotics company that partnered with the SETI institute for this project, sees a future in which drones will be able to dive. into volcanic caves and create similar 3D maps while looking for water signs. or geological activity that would better inform future crew missions.
“A free-flying small spacecraft is perhaps the best robotic platform for the study of lava tubes on Earth, the Moon, and Mars for the simple reason that they do not have to communicate directly with none of the rough surfaces that may be unstable. inside caves and lava tubes, ”he said in a press release.
Updates
The thin feel of Mars and the lack of lunar atmosphere make it difficult for a typical quadrotor drone to stay aloft. While NASA developed a helicopter-like drone that was able to fly on Mars last year, the team behind this new research suggests that equipping a drone with small thrushes may be the way to go.
“Further development will be required to create a system ready for the Moon or Mars,” Horchler said in a press release, “But studying this frozen lava tube is an important first step for us. ”
SITE MORE: A drone map of lava pipes shows how we go spelunking on Mars [MIT Technology Review]
More on space drones: NASA has just unveiled this awesome, tiny helicopter that will fly over Mars