The synergy between planetary orbiters and surface vehicles, particularly aerial vehicles in extraterrestrial atmospheresExtraterrestrial atmospheres, opens exciting opportunities for exploration and data collection beyond what individual platforms can achieve alone. Orbiters and surface vehicles have already been launched several times to other planets and moons. However, aerial vehicles are incipient agents in space exploration. Aerial vehicles provide an unprecedented capability to traverse difficult terrains and access remote locations, enabling the exploration of regions that were previously inaccessible to surface rovers or landers. This book chapter provides a comprehensive review of the advancements and applications of drones in space exploration, the concept of drones, and their potential benefits in terms of cost-efficiency, versatility, and adaptability to different environments. These applications encompass the exploration of celestial bodies, where drones can assist in mapping, sample collection, and geological and atmospheric analysis. A review of several potential planets and moons to be explored by drones is presented, while two fixed-wingFixed-wing drones are conceptually designed for the most promising targets, one for MarsMars and the other for Titan. Moreover, the challenges and limitations associated with drone technology in space exploration are addressed. These include issues related to power supply, materials, communication delays, thermal control, and the need for robust navigation systems in unfamiliar terrains. From the challenges, it is concluded that further research and development in this field is needed, but also that drones have the potential to revolutionize future space missions, enabling greater understanding and exploration of the universe.
Drones for Space Exploration
Management, Industrial Engineer.
2024-04-19
38 pages
Article/Chapter (Book)
Electronic Resource
English
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