Robotic precursor missions to the moon and MarsNASA's Office of Exploration has determined that both the global and the more focused data sets required for the engineering development of manned lunar and Martian exploration systems call for the running of robotic precursor missions. Accounts are presented of the nature of such robotic precursor efforts, which must conduct (1) resource characterization and location, (2) site selection, and (3) fundamental scientific data acquisition tasks. Attention is given to the configurations and instrument suites of prospective robotic lander designs.
Document ID
19930040802
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Smith, William L. (NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1993
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 93-0703
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA, Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit