Martian Transportation Vehicle

 A semi-autonomous low altitude drone concept 

Proposed to Canadian Space Agency, 2006: Near-Subsurface Briny Water Detection ; rejected on the basis of small likelihood of their being such H20

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):

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

                   perform shallow soil sampling and simple analysis

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

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

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

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

                   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:

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

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                   Martian Unmanned Science Skimmer - Simulation

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