The next few years promise a unique convergence of NASA aeronautics and space programs. NASA planetary science missions are becoming increasingly more sophisticated. This will ultimately culminate, in part, in the development of planetary aerial vehicles 'PAVs'. Early work in this area has principally focused on conceptual design of fixed-wing aircraft configurations for Mars exploration. However, autonomous vertical lift vehicles hold considerable potential for supporting planetary science and exploration missions. This paper discusses in a general sense the technical opportunities and challenges in developing autonomous vertical lift PAVs. Through this discussion a vision for using PAVs in planetary exploration is presented.


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    Title :

    Design Opportunities and Challenges in the Development of Vertical Lift Planetary Aerial Vehicles


    Contributors:
    L. A. Young (author) / R. T. Chen (author) / E. W. Aiken (author) / G. A. Briggs (author)

    Publication date :

    2000


    Size :

    24 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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    Young, L. A. / Chen, R. T. N. / Aiken, E. W. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2000


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    Use of Vertical Lift Planetary Aerial Vehicles for the Exploration of Mars

    Young, L. A. / Briggs, G. A. / Derby, M. R. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2000