Improving Technology and Science Operations
My current analog research relies heavily on Unoccupied Aircraft Systems (UAS). I envision expanding the capabilities of these systems for dedicated planetary science applications and developing concepts and technologies to inform the next generation of planetary science missions. The Mars helicopter, Ingenuity of NASA’s Mars 2020 mission, has successfully demonstrated controlled flights on Mars and opens a new chapter in robotic solar system exploration. UAS missions are able to cover larger areas in shorter time frames, are unrestricted to rough terrain, and provide the unique opportunity for targeted scientific measurements in difficult terrains.
Rover–Aerial Vehicle Exploration Network (RAVEN)
Developing Science Operations for the next generation of Planetary Surface exploration missions using integrated Unoccupied Aircraft System (UAS) and rover technology in a planetary analog site in the Icelandic Highland.
Passive Autonomy, Navigation, Topography, and Habitability Exploration Radar (PANTHER)
PANTHER is a passive radar instrument package on an Unoccupied Aircraft System (UAS) using the Sun and Jupiter as natural radio sources instead of carrying an active transmitter, tested in a planetary analog site in the Icelandic Highland.
Relevant Publications
Comparing rover and helicopter planetary mission architectures in a Mars analog setting in Iceland
S. Gwizd, K. M. Stack, R. Francis, F. Calef, B. B. Carr, C. Langley, J. Graff, T. H. Kristinsson, V. P. Thorarensen, E. Bernhardsson, M. Phillips, M. Varnam, N. Hadland, J. Shah, J. Moersch, U. Basu, J. R. C. Voigt, C. W. Hamilton
(2024)
American Astronomical Society Journals
Evaluating the use of Unoccupied Aircraft Systems (UAS) for planetary exploration in Mars-analog terrain
B. B. Carr, M. Varnam, N. Hadland, J. Shah, J. R. C. Voigt, S. Gwizd, K. M. Stack, F. Calef, R. Francis, U. Basu, B. Bjornsson, C. Chen, E. Dong, J. Graff, J. E. Moersch, M. Phillips, J. Springer, C. D. Neish, and C. W. Hamilton
(2024)
American Astronomical Society Journals
The 2014–2015 Holuhraun Lava Flow-Field in Iceland as an Analog Site for Young Volcanic Terrains on Mars.
J. R. C. Voigt, C. W. Hamilton, L. P. Keszthelyi, M. Varnam, S. M. Hibbard, and K. M. Stack
(in revision)
American Astronomical Society Journals