Biologically Inspired Behavioral Strategies for Autonomous Aerial Explorers on Mars

Abstract

The natural world is a rich source of problem solving approaches. This paper discusses the feasibility and technical challenges underlying mimicking, or analogously adapting, biological behavioral strategies to mission/flight planning for aerial vehicles engaged in planetary exploration. Two candidate concepts based on natural resource utilization and searching behaviors are adapted to technological applications. Prototypes and test missions addressing the difficulties of implementation and their solutions are also described.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 11, 2002
Accession Number
ADA529021

Entities

People

  • Benton Lau
  • Greg Pisanich
  • Larry A. Young
  • Laura Plice

Organizations

  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Autonomy
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Autonomous Systems
  • Autonomous Vehicles
  • Birds
  • Computational Science
  • Control Systems
  • Dead Reckoning
  • Environment
  • Fixed Wing Aircraft
  • Information Systems
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Navigation
  • Planetary Sciences
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Molecular Genetics
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design