2025/04/29 by Djahid Gueraiche, Daniel ALBITAR, Konstantin FEDOROV +1 · 1 voice
Computer Science · Engineering · #Robotic Path Planning Algorithms #Robotics and Sensor-Based Localization #UAV Applications and Optimization
paper · doi:10.1016/j.cja.2025.103562
openalex publication_date 2025/04/29 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/14
A brief concept study of a modular research aircraft with potential applications to Mars exploration is conducted. Considered are dimensional and mass constraints of a launch vehicle payload compartment, mission radius extension applying ground mobility and overall flight envelope extension using fixed-wing aerodynamics. Also, some lessons learned from NASA Mars Ingenuity flights are considered and addressed with few solutions. The modular system includes a fixed-wing design along with a number of smaller autonomous quadcopter UAVs, encapsulated inside a geodesic spherical support through a gimbal mechanism for ground mobility. Analyzed is the feasibility of allocating to these mini drones both scout and mapping tasks of complex terrain such as crater walls, canyons and cave systems that might hold key insights into the planet’s geologic history. Once docked with the mothership fixed wing, the mini drones serve as a distributed propulsion system, for vertical take-off and landing and control, completely replacing control surfaces on the flying wing itself, its engine and landing gear. CFD and structural simulations have demonstrated the flight-ability in Mars conditions of a flying wing design along with scout drone prototypes with a pentagon-hexagon geodesic shell. Also demonstrated is the great flexibility of the suggested modular approach for various research applications and mission profiles on Mars and other planets or moons, improving overall reliability and mission radius.