Conceptual helicopter design for exploration of pit craters and caves on mars

Risako Aoki, Akira Oyama, Koji Fujita, Hiroki Nagai, Kensuke Kanou, Nao Inoue, Shu Sokabe, Masahiro Kanazaki, Kai Tomisawa, Kazufumi Uwatoko

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We propose to use a helicopter for exploration of pit craters and caves on Mars. Helicopter does not contaminate inside of pit craters and caves because it does not emit gas including carbon compounds. In addition, a helicopter can explore caves even if the bottom of the caves is covered by rocks. We propose to explore the pit craters found near Elysium Mons because they are suitable for the aerial exploration because (1) there is higher possibility of existence of life and (2) air density is relatively high. We consider two specific missions using a helicopter; one is a mission which explores only a pit crater and the other is a mission which explores both a pit crater and a cave. The present analysis shows both missions are feasible.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2018 AIAA SPACE and Astronautics Forum and Exposition
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624105753
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018
EventAIAA Space and Astronautics Forum and Exposition, 2018 - Orlando, United States
Duration: 2018 Sept 172018 Sept 19

Publication series

Name2018 AIAA SPACE and Astronautics Forum and Exposition

Conference

ConferenceAIAA Space and Astronautics Forum and Exposition, 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period18/9/1718/9/19

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