DocumentCode :
1018921
Title :
Robot System to Search for Signs of Life on Mars
Author :
Anderson, Gary T. ; Tunstel, Edward W. ; Wilson, Edmond W.
Author_Institution :
Univ. of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock
Volume :
22
Issue :
12
fYear :
2007
Firstpage :
23
Lastpage :
30
Abstract :
This describes a robot system that can be used to look for the tell-tale signs of life on Mars. Currently, NASA has satellites in orbit that can identify broad regions to explore in its search for life. NASA also has instruments that can examine samples of Martian soil to see if they contain any indications of biological activity. This leaves the problem of deciding specifically where to look for suitable samples in the large area around a landing site. This also describes a robot system that can rapidly search thousands of square meters around the landing position to find sources of biogenic gas samples that may harbor important clues in the search for extra-terrestrial life.
Keywords :
Mars; biology; extraterrestrial life; planetary rovers; planetary surfaces; space vehicles; Mars; Martian soil samples; NASA; biogenic gas samples; biological activity; extra-terrestrial life; landing position; landing site; life signs; robot system; satellites; Chemicals; Earth; Laboratories; Mars; NASA; Organisms; Planets; Propulsion; Robots; Satellites;
fLanguage :
English
Journal_Title :
Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, IEEE
Publisher :
ieee
ISSN :
0885-8985
Type :
jour
DOI :
10.1109/MAES.2007.4408598
Filename :
4408598
Link To Document :
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