Martian Transportation Vehicle

 A semi-autonomous low altitude drone concept 

Proposal to CSA: Near-Subsurface Briny Water Detection

Basis: ground effect drove, propelled by cold rocket thrust

utilize Martian atmosphere as propellant for a series of short duration flights

atmospheric CO2 compressed to dry ice during low temperature nights

Mission Description (after arriving on Martian surface):

C                    anchor on Martian surface with drill bit, store solar energy and compress CO₂ atmosphere

C                    perform shallow soil sampling and simple analysis

C                    visual of surface surveyed to determine path of least resistance for first >hop=

C                    communication with terrestrial controllers to decide direction of first >hop=

C                    With Martian temperature begin to rise, vehicle will convert dry ice to cold propellant and hover for ~9 seconds to cover 50 ft laterally

C                    Camera views will monitor view from aloft to plan direction of next >hop=

C                    Vehicle  lands, secure position with shallow drill bit, begin charging batteries; perform science sampling; communicate with earth; plan next days >hop=; compress atmosphere to propellant 

CASI Conference Proceeding Reference Papers: ASTRO2006:

C                    Electromagnetic Induction Sounder for subsurface Mapping of Resistivity and Magnetic Susceptibility on Mars

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C                    Martian Unmanned Science Skimmer - Simulation

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