Center Innovation Fund: JPL CIF
Hypothesis-Driven Microexplorers, Year 1
Project Description
Define a new surface exploration strategy for hypothesis-driven control software using microexplorers; Brings together advances in microsystems with advances in machine learning, data mining and planning/scheduling; Enables exploration by squads of microrobots that can seek out and characterize key locales based on internally-generated hypotheses; Directly addresses NASA Grand Challenge theme of new technology tools for scientific discovery.
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Anticipated Benefits
This capability enables exploration of planetary bodies (highlighted by Decadal) through low-cost spacecraft units and addresses planetary science questions without costly, high-end spacecraft. This leverages innovations in onboard computation, miniature instruments, and onboard autonomy and pushes new operations paradigm - current operation models will not scale to large groups of in-situ explorers.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) | Lead Organization | FFRDC/UARC | Pasadena, California |
Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, Maryland |
| Northwestern University | Supporting Organization | Academia | Evanston, Illinois |
| Space Science Institute | Supporting Organization | Industry | Los Angeles, California |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
-
Colorado
-
Illinois
-
Maryland
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