The goal of MSSS's
Mars Semi-Autonomous Rover Operations investigation
is to conduct a suite of three semi-autonomous rover field tests over
Mars-like terrain with traverse ranges of greater than 10 km (6.2 mi).
This picture shows the Malin Space Science Systems/University of
Oklahoma SR2 rover during a field test near the Salton Sea, California,
in June 2002.
The SR2 rover, sporting a suite of upgrades and outfitted
with science instruments (color stereo panoramic camera
and a visible/near-infrared spectrometer), will be used
to conduct new field tests in 2005 through 2007.
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Semi-Autonomous Rover Operations Investigation
Mars is a geologically diverse planet. There is no single,
magical landing site to which a single rover, lander, or
sample return system can be sent that will answer all
of the science questions about Mars and its history.
An alternative approach to the present mode of Mars
exploration, in which only a few vehicles are sent per
decade, is to send more, smaller, and less costly
rovers to a wider range of landing sites.
MSSS's Semi-Autonomous Rover Operations investigation, funded
by the NASA/JPL Mars Exploration Program Advanced Technology
Program, is investigating the use of
small, solar-powered, autonomous, long-range rovers
capable of traversing great distances (> 10 km) over short
periods of time (a few days). The study is conducting
field tests with the SR2 rover in three challenging,
Mars-like settings: in 2005--the Anza Borrego Desert, California,
in 2006--Amboy Crater, California, and in 2007--Iceland.
The rover operations team includes: the PI, Michael A. Ravine (MSSS),
James F. Bell III (Cornell University), Michael C. Malin (MSSS),
and David P. Miller (University of Oklahoma).
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