was demonstrated, the MRSR mission takes full advantage of advances in computer, telecommunications, software and robotics technology that have taken place since then; particularly the autonomous land vehicle navigation systems developed under DARPA sponsorship [3]. The reference design Mars rover, at 842 kg, is not much different in size and mass than the Viking lander which weighed 600 kg, but it has greatly improved capability. This vehicle is mobile and capable of traversing the Mars terrain autonomously; that is, performing its local navigation (100-1000 metre traverse) without human intervention. Reference [3] gives a fairly complete description of this vehicle as defined to date. Due to its small size and the relatively modest amount of locomotive energy required compared to other mission activities, this vehicle will be powered electrically; that is, one on-board source will be used to provide power for all functions. Table I summarizes the requirements as determined to date for this on-board source [4, 5].
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==