The newest solution proposed by JPL is the Mars Helicopter, an autonomous drone that could "triple the distances that Mars rovers can drive in a Martian day," according to NASA. The helicopter would fly ahead of a rover when its view is blocked and send Earth-bound engineers the right data to plan the rover's route.
The idea is proposed as an "add-on" to future rover missions, so even if it gets approved it wont be flying any time soon. There's a lot of work to be done between now and then anyway. Compared to Earth, Mars has a much thinner atmosphere and much weaker gravity.
Views:
Ssundarramman
Hearty thanks to the powerful Neta-community... for further glory in space science... by keeping a respectable distance...
Lawrence L.
How to dock it to the rover for charging the battery without crashing and damaging the million dollar rover is the real question... Seem easier just put some high flying camera on a balloon.
Soldier Oscar
Weaker gravity means they won’t have to worry about thick armor to keep it safe in the rugged conditions. I’f the gravity is half as strong make it twice the size.
