Airbus, the renowned aerospace company, has recently conducted a groundbreaking test of its Mars rover models in a quarry near London. This test marks the first time that the company has showcased a new robotic arm designed for autonomous sample collection on alien planets. In addition to this, Airbus also experimented with a model of its ExoMars rover, with the aim of improving its navigation system to enable the robot to travel faster and explore more terrain once it reaches the Red Planet in 2028.
During the tests, the Mars Sample Fetch Rover demonstrator model, affectionately named Codi, received coordinates from a simulated ground control station. These coordinates were used to direct the rover to the location where simulated Mars samples had been stashed. This was a crucial test for the rover, as it demonstrated its ability to autonomously navigate and collect samples on a foreign planet.
The new robotic arm showcased during the test is a significant development for the future of space exploration. This arm is designed to collect samples from the surface of Mars without the need for human intervention. This is a crucial development, as it will allow for more efficient and cost-effective exploration of the Red Planet. The arm is also equipped with a range of sensors and cameras, which will allow it to identify and collect the most valuable samples.
The ExoMars rover, which was also tested during the trial, is a joint project between the European Space Agency and Russia’s Roscosmos. The rover is set to launch in 2022 and will arrive on Mars in 2023. The aim of the mission is to search for signs of past or present life on the Red Planet. The rover is equipped with a range of scientific instruments, including a drill that can penetrate up to two meters below the surface of Mars.
During the test, Airbus also experimented with the ExoMars rover’s navigation system. The aim of this was to improve the rover’s ability to navigate and explore the Martian terrain once it arrives on the planet. This is a crucial development, as it will allow the rover to cover more ground and collect more data during its mission.
Overall, the test conducted by Airbus is a significant step forward in the field of space exploration. The development of the new robotic arm and the improvements made to the ExoMars rover’s navigation system will allow for more efficient and effective exploration of the Red Planet. With the launch of the ExoMars rover just a few years away, the future of space exploration is looking brighter than ever before.
