Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
3.4
2.1
Journals
Aerospace
Special Issues
Planetary Exploration
share announcement

Planetary Exploration

A special issue of Aerospace (ISSN 2226-4310). This special issue belongs to the section "Astronautics & Space Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 8068

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Roy Lichtenheldt

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of System Dynamics and Control, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Münchener Straße 20, 82234 Weßling, Germany
Interests: planetary exploration; space exploration; Mars missions; rover; robotics; drilling

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Exploring foreign planetary bodies has long been a dream for humanity. At this juncture, numerous missions have visited several planetary bodies far from our own. Nevertheless, more blank spots remain on our maps than discovered areas. Robotics is a key driver in advancing the exploration of space. Even though the technological challenges involved in such efforts are often high, overcoming them could allow robotic explorers to visit areas that are currently inaccessible to humans due to either reach or cost. The current goals of planetary exploration include “classics”, such as reaching Mars or the Moon, but also smaller objectives related to bodies like comets and asteroids could enhance our understanding of their evolution. While orbital and surface missions have been long-time focuses, the subsurface is of growing interest. For example, measurements inside of the regolith might give answers on planetary evolution, while astrobiology is highly interested in the existence of traces of life, which might either be found buried in the ground or in caves, e.g., on Mars. These new frontiers pose especially demanding challenges to the systems and their development.

This Special Issue is thus focused on the following topics:

  • Robotics systems to enable future planetary exploration;
  • Mission concepts to reach places, unreachable so far;
  • Subsurface exploration and drilling;
  • Exploration of extreme environments and extreme terrain;
  • Innovative mobility systems for special requirements;
  • Efficient long-range locomotion principles;
  • ISRU applications and robotic preparation of future human missions;
  • Simulation strategies to allow for faster development times of exploration systems.

These are considered to be future hot topics of planetary exploration. All technologies and concepts described in the contributions should be able to be “flight-ready” by at least 2035 in order to provide realistic outlooks on future technologies.

Dr. Roy Lichtenheldt
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Aerospace is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • planetary exploration
  • rover
  • terramechanics
  • in situ exploration
  • orbital observations
  • robotics
  • subsurface
  • drilling

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

15 pages, 1427 KiB  
Article
Development and Evaluation of Regolith Mass Estimation Sensor Based on Photoresist Effect
by Arkadiusz Tkacz and Karol Seweryn
Aerospace 2024, 11(12), 963; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11120963 (registering DOI) - 23 Nov 2024
Viewed by 153
Abstract
This paper presents the design, implementation, and laboratory validation of an optoelectronic-based mass estimation sensor for regolith sampling devices. The sensor integrates multiple photoresistors into the walls of a shovel of a sampling device, where the sensors detect varying levels of light occlusion [...] Read more.
This paper presents the design, implementation, and laboratory validation of an optoelectronic-based mass estimation sensor for regolith sampling devices. The sensor integrates multiple photoresistors into the walls of a shovel of a sampling device, where the sensors detect varying levels of light occlusion caused by the deposited regolith. By analyzing the output signals from these photoresistors, the sensor estimates the mass of the sampled regolith. The device is designed to handle a typical sample mass range of 100–300 g. Laboratory tests demonstrated that the sensor can estimate the regolith mass with a relative error of approximately 23%, which is suitable for early-stage applications where rapid, non-invasive mass estimation is essential. The shown level of accuracy underscores the potential for further refining the calibration process, enhancing sensor sensitivity, and integrating multi-sensor approaches to improve performance. This conceptual study highlights the feasibility of using optoelectronic sensors for regolith mass estimation, paving the way for future innovations in ISRU missions and other granular material sampling applications. Future work will focus on the optimization of photoresistor placements, refining the calibration process, and enhancing sensor sensitivity to improve the accuracy of mass estimation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Planetary Exploration)
27 pages, 39051 KiB  
Article
Method for Underground Motion Using Vibration-Induced Ground Resistance Changes for Planetary Exploration
by Tomohiro Watanabe, Koya Kobayashi, Kazuhiko Hiramoto and Kojiro Iizuka
Aerospace 2024, 11(10), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11100811 - 3 Oct 2024
Viewed by 432
Abstract
Exploration rovers have difficulty moving underground because the drag force from the ground restricts their movement; this hinders underground exploration. This study aimed to address this challenge. We posit a hypothesis that the rover can move underground by imparting vibration to the ground [...] Read more.
Exploration rovers have difficulty moving underground because the drag force from the ground restricts their movement; this hinders underground exploration. This study aimed to address this challenge. We posit a hypothesis that the rover can move underground by imparting vibration to the ground and changing the drag force. To validate this hypothesis, a testbed that moves underground was developed, and the drag force when imparting vibration was investigated. The results revealed that the drag force while imparting vibration is smaller than that after imparting vibration, and we accordingly devised the operation for moving underground. The proposed operation causes bias of the drag force by imparting vibration to make the testbed move in the direction of the small drag force. The effectiveness of the proposed method was assessed through an experiment wherein the testbed was set to move underground. The experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method, as the movement distance achieved with vibration is considerably greater than that without vibration. The findings validate the hypothesis that using vibration for underground motion is effective in improving mobility and provides valuable insights into the design of robots for underground motion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Planetary Exploration)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 35711 KiB  
Article
EELS-DARTS: A Planetary Snake Robot Simulator for Closed-Loop Autonomy Development
by Tristan D. Hasseler, Carl Leake, Aaron Gaut, Asher Elmquist, Robert Michael Swan, Rob Royce, Bryson Jones, Ben Hockman, Michael Paton, Guglielmo Daddi, Masahiro Ono, Rohan Thakker and Abhinandan Jain
Aerospace 2024, 11(10), 795; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11100795 - 27 Sep 2024
Viewed by 864
Abstract
EELS-DARTS is a simulator designed for autonomy development and analysis of large degree of freedom snake-like robots for space exploration. A detailed description of the EELS-DARTS simulator design is presented. This includes the versatile underlying multibody dynamics representation used to model a variety [...] Read more.
EELS-DARTS is a simulator designed for autonomy development and analysis of large degree of freedom snake-like robots for space exploration. A detailed description of the EELS-DARTS simulator design is presented. This includes the versatile underlying multibody dynamics representation used to model a variety of distinct snake robot configurations as well as an anisotropic friction model for describing screw–ice interaction. Additional simulation components such as graphics, importable terrain, joint controllers, and perception are discussed. Methods for setting up and running simulations are discussed, including how a snake robot’s autonomy stack closes the commands and information loop with the simulation via ROS. Multiple use cases are described to illustrate how the simulation is used to aid and inform robot design, autonomy development, and field test use throughout the project’s life cycle. A validation analysis of the screw–ice contact model is performed for the surface mobility case. Lastly, an overview of simulation use for planning operations during a recent field test to the Athabasca Glacier in Canada is discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Planetary Exploration)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 5941 KiB  
Article
HeliCAT-DARTS: A High Fidelity, Closed-Loop Rotorcraft Simulator for Planetary Exploration
by Carl Leake, Håvard Grip, Vivian Steyert, Tristan D. Hasseler, Martin Cacan and Abhinandan Jain
Aerospace 2024, 11(9), 727; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11090727 - 6 Sep 2024
Viewed by 503
Abstract
HeliCAT-DARTS is a high-fidelity rotorcraft dynamics simulator developed for the design and development of rotorcraft for planetary exploration. While initially developed for the life cycle use of the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter mission, the simulator now supports a broad range of rotorcraft configurations and [...] Read more.
HeliCAT-DARTS is a high-fidelity rotorcraft dynamics simulator developed for the design and development of rotorcraft for planetary exploration. While initially developed for the life cycle use of the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter mission, the simulator now supports a broad range of rotorcraft configurations and applications. HeliCAT provides a GNC testbed and aerial mobility analysis platform for rotorcraft design, closed-loop flight software development, verification and validation (V&V), and mission operations. This article discusses the design and use of the HeliCAT simulator and results from technology demonstrations and missions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Planetary Exploration)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 14051 KiB  
Article
Design of an Automatic Sealing Mechanism for Extraterrestrial Sample-Collecting Robot
by Yujian Mu, Zihao Yuan, Ruinan Mu, Haifeng Zhao, Zhitao Ning, Xihan Li, Tianyue Gan, Tao Du, Zhiqiang Wang, Rujin Han and Zhenxing Shen
Aerospace 2024, 11(7), 517; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11070517 - 26 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1305
Abstract
Returning extraterrestrial samples to Earth for analysis is crucial for planetary geological research and resource utilization. However, during their return journey, these samples undergo significant environmental changes, such as varying pressure, temperature, impact, and vibration. Hence, a dependable sealing technique that preserves sample [...] Read more.
Returning extraterrestrial samples to Earth for analysis is crucial for planetary geological research and resource utilization. However, during their return journey, these samples undergo significant environmental changes, such as varying pressure, temperature, impact, and vibration. Hence, a dependable sealing technique that preserves sample integrity without requiring high-powered tools is necessary. This article aims to develop an automatic sealing system for collecting extraterrestrial samples, conducting parametric design and mechanical analysis on two types of proposed sealing structures with minimal sealing force as the benchmark. Additionally, the system will undergo validation through sealing and leakage detection experiments. An automated sealing system, capable of storing samples in multiple sampling tubes, is assembled for the extraterrestrial sampling device. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Planetary Exploration)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2563 KiB  
Article
A Study of Lunar Regolith Obtained during the Apollo and Luna Space Programs Based on Principal Component Analysis
by Jacek Katzer, Janusz Kobaka and Karol Seweryn
Aerospace 2024, 11(5), 348; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11050348 - 27 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1794
Abstract
In this study, a modern principal component analysis (PCA) of the chemical properties of lunar soils was conducted. American and Soviet results acquired during the Apollo and Luna missions, respectively, were analyzed and compared. The chemical composition of the lunar soil was the [...] Read more.
In this study, a modern principal component analysis (PCA) of the chemical properties of lunar soils was conducted. American and Soviet results acquired during the Apollo and Luna missions, respectively, were analyzed and compared. The chemical composition of the lunar soil was the focus of our analysis, the main aim of which was to assess any possible differences between the results provided by the missions in question. The results were visualized in two- and three-dimensional spaces. The use of PCA virtual variables enabled the chemical composition of the lunar soil to be fully visualized—something impossible to achieve using traditional techniques—and key similarities and differences among the properties of the lunar soil samples were determined. The sources of any differences were then conceptualized. The work reported in this paper offers new directions for future studies, especially research into the design of new lunar soil simulants for lunar construction and civil engineering programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Planetary Exploration)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 4175 KiB  
Article
Planetary Soil Simulant Characterisation: NU-LHT-2M Study Case to Support Oxygen Extraction Lab Tests with a Low-Temperature Carbothermal Process
by Giovanni Zanotti, Ivan Troisi, Alice Dottori and Michèle Roberta Lavagna
Aerospace 2024, 11(4), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11040295 - 10 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1789
Abstract
Since the landing on the lunar surface, the lunar regolith has begun to interact in different ways with landed elements, such as the wheels of a rover, astronaut suits, drills, and plants for extracting oxygen or manufacturing objects. Therefore, a strong effort has [...] Read more.
Since the landing on the lunar surface, the lunar regolith has begun to interact in different ways with landed elements, such as the wheels of a rover, astronaut suits, drills, and plants for extracting oxygen or manufacturing objects. Therefore, a strong effort has been required on Earth to fully characterise these kinds of interactions and regolith utilisation methods. This operation can only be performed by using regolith simulants, soils that are reproduced with the Earth’s rocks and minerals to match the real features. This article presents the main guidelines and tests for obtaining the properties of a generic simulant in terms of composition, physical and mechanical properties, solid–fluid interaction, and thermal properties. These parameters are needed for the designing and testing of payloads under development for planned lunar surface missions. The same tests can be performed on lunar, martian, or asteroid simulants/soils, both in laboratory and in situ. A case study is presented on the lunar simulant NU-LHT-2M, representative of the lunar highlands. The tests are performed in the context of an in situ resource utilisation (ISRU) process that aims to extract oxygen from the lunar regolith using a low-temperature carbothermal reduction process, highlighting the main regolith-related criticalities for an in situ demonstrator plant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Planetary Exploration)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop