Microsensors and Microinstruments for Space Science and Exploration
Most future NASA spacecraft will be small, low cost, highly integrated vehicles using advanced technology.
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Microsensors and Microinstruments for Space Science and Exploration
Most future NASA spacecraft will be small, low cost, highly integrated vehicles using advanced technology. This will also be true of planetary rovers. In order to maintain a high scientific value to these missions, the instruments, sensors and subsystems must be dramatically miniaturized without compromising their measurement capabilities. A rover must be designed to deliver its science package. In fact, the rover should be considered as the arms, legs and/or wheels that are needed to enable a mobile integrated scientific payload.
Kukkonen, C. A.↗
Microinstruments for a Low Power, Low Mass Weather Station
Advances in electronics and instrument technology over the past thirty years have enabled a new concept for NASA missions, an evolution from large Voyager-class spacecraft to smaller, less costly Discovery and Explorer missions. By taking advantage of micromachining and micro-instrumentation, this reduction in size can be accomplished without requiring a sacrifice in performance. In some cases, the small payload will enable new types of missions which would be otherwise inconceivable. A microweather station is envisioned as an enabling technology for a network of weather stations on Mars for measuring wind, temperature, pressure, humidity, and aerosol concentration in the Martian planetary boundary layer...
Hoenk, M. E.↗
Microinstruments and Micro Electromechanical Systems in Support of Earth and Space Science in the New Millenium
NASA's New Millenium Program (NMP) has been chartered with flight validation of next generation technology to demonstrate the feasibility of pursuing unmanned space science with low cost, miniature spacecraft and probes. In defining a roadmap for instrument development, primary emphasis has been placed on system concepts which take best advantage of instrument miniaturization. In this paper the
New↗
SSTAC/ARTS review of the draft Integrated Technology Plan (ITP). Volume 6: Controls and guidance
Viewgraphs of briefings from the Space Systems and Technology Advisory Committee (SSTAC)/ARTS review of the draft Integrated Technology Plan (ITP) on controls and guidance are included. Topics covered include: strategic avionics technology planning and bridging programs; avionics technology plan; vehicle health management; spacecraft guidance research; autonomous rendezvous and docking; autonomous landing; computational control; fiberoptic rotation sensors; precision instrument and telescope pointing; microsensors and microinstruments; micro guidance and control initiative; and earth-orbiting platforms controls-structures interaction.
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Evolving directions in NASA's planetary rover requirements and technology
This paper reviews the evolution of NASA's planning for planetary rovers (i.e. robotic vehicles which may be deployed on planetary bodies for exploration, science analysis, and construction) and some of the technology that has been developed to achieve the desired capabilities. The program is comprised of a variety of vehicle sizes and types in order to accommodate a range of potential user needs. This includes vehicles whose weight spans a few kilograms to several thousand kilograms; whose locomotion is implemented using wheels, tracks, and legs; and whose payloads vary from microinstruments to large scale assemblies for construction. We first describe robotic vehicles, and their associated control systems, developed by NASA in the late 1980's as part of a proposed Mars Rover Sample Return (MRSR) mission. Suggested goals at that time for such an MRSR mission included navigating for one to two years across hundreds of kilometers of Martian surface; traversing a diversity of rugged, unknown terrain; collecting and analyzing a variety of samples; and bringing back selected samples to the lander for return to Earth. Subsequently, we present the current plans (considerably more modest) which have evolved both from technological 'lessons learned' in the previous period, and modified aspirations of NASA missions. This paper describes some of the demonstrated capabilities of the developed machines and the technologies which made these capabilities possible.
Weisbin, C. R.↗
Evolving directions in NASA's planetary rover requirements and technology
The evolution of NASA's planning for planetary rovers (that is robotic vehicles which may be deployed on planetary bodies for exploration, science analysis, and construction) and some of the technology that was developed to achieve the desired capabilities is reviewed. The program is comprised of a variety of vehicle sizes and types in order to accommodate a range of potential user needs. This includes vehicles whose weight spans a few kilograms to several thousand kilograms; whose locomotion is implemented using wheels, tracks, and legs; and whose payloads vary from microinstruments to large scale assemblies for construction. Robotic vehicles and their associated control systems, developed in the late 1980's as part of a proposed Mars Rover Sample Return (MRSR) mission, are described. Goals suggested at the time for such a MRSR mission included navigating for one to two years across hundreds of kilometers of Martian surface; traversing a diversity of rugged, unknown terrain; collecting and analyzing a variety of samples; and bringing back selected samples to the lander for return to Earth. Current plans (considerably more modest) which have evolved both from technological 'lessons learned' in the previous period, and modified aspirations of NASA missions are presented. Some of the demonstrated capabilities of the developed machines and the technologies which made these capabilities possible are described.
Weisbin, C. R.↗
Proceedings of the International Conference on Integrated Micro/Nanotechnology for Space Applications
The recent evolution of microelectronic technologies coupled with the growth of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) has had significant impact in the commercial sector. The focus of this conference was to anticipate and extend the incorporation of nano-electronics and MEMS into application specific integrated microinstruments (ASIM's) in space systems. Presentations ranged from mission application of nano-satellites to silicon micromachining for photonic applications.
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Cooperative Mission Concepts Using Biomorphic Explorers
Inspired by the immense variety of naturally curious explorers (insects, animals, and birds), their wellintegrated biological sensor-processor suites, efficiently packaged in compact but highly dexterous forms, and their complex, intriguing, cooperative behavior, this paper focuses on "Biomorphic Explorers", their defination/classification, their designs, and presents planetary exploration scenarios based on the designs. Judicious blend of bio-inspired concepts and recent advances in micro-air vehicles, microsensors, microinstruments, MEMS, and microprocessors clearly suggests that the time of small, dedicated, low cost explorers that capture some of the key features of biological systems has arrived. Just as even small insects like ants, termites, honey bees etc working cooperatively in colonies can achieve big tasks, the biomorphic explorers hold the potential for obtaining science in-accessible by current large singular exploration platforms.
Thakoor, S.↗
Low Cost Mars Surface Exploration: The Mars Tumbleweed
The "Mars Tumbleweed," a rover concept that would utilize surface winds for mobility, is being examined as a low cost complement to the current Mars exploration efforts. Tumbleweeds carrying microinstruments would be driven across the Martian landscape by wind, searching for areas of scientific interest. These rovers, relatively simple, inexpensive, and deployed in large numbers to maximize coverage of the Martian surface, would provide a broad scouting capability to identify specific sites for exploration by more complex rover and lander missions.
Antol, Jeffrey↗
NASA Robotics Programs: Future Directions and Relevance to DoD
There are similarities and differences between NASA telerobotics technologies currently under development, and the corresponding technologies required for DoD unmanned ground vehicle systems. There are many opportunities for collaboration. Discussed are: program goals, applicable missions, planetary surface exploration technology needs, microinstruments, space station robotics, mine detection, etc.
Telerobotics Robotics Ground Vehicle Technology↗
The JPL Microdevices Laboratory: Capabilities and Access
The Microdevices Laboratory (MDL) at JPL is a world-class microdevice and microinstrument research and advanced development center. It houses processing facilities for end-to-end device fabrication based on Si, GaAs, and superconductors down to 0.1 (micro)m feature size. MDL's charter is to develop and demonstrate new microdevice technologies, and to transfer these technologies to NASA users and to industry. In full operation since 1990, MDL has demonstrated rapid prototyping of several new microdevices and technologies.
microdevices microtechnology fabrication prototypi↗
Integrated Utility Module for Future NASA Miniature Spacecraft
NASA initiated a program for space-validation of selected technologies relating to miniature spacecraft and microinstruments. Addressed is the proposed development of the Integrated Utility Module (IUM) which integrates structural integrity, thermal management, power distribution, data & signal transmission, radiation & meteoroid protection, etc. into a lightweight, compact, cableless package.
NASA↗
NASA Vision and Implementation Approach for Advanced Technologies in Space
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avionics microsensors microinstruments advanced de↗