A Mars quadcopter capable of autonomous flight and sample collection: Structure and avionics

Abstract

The Mars rotorcraft is an aerial exploration platform capable of repeated take-offs and landings to extend the range of rover explorations. NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter is a full y functioning coaxial helicopter for technology demonstration. Increasing the rotor diameter or the number of blades can enhance the load capacity of the coaxial helicopter but would make it difficult to be folded. A more suitable configuration for Mars exploration is the multi-rotor aircraft, which has a stronger load capacity with the same rotor diameter. Although the aerodynamic performance and operational capabilities of the Mars multi-rotor aircraft have been partially considered, mechatronic system design and autonomous flight control have not been fully addressed. Harbin Institute of Technology and China Academy of Space Technology jointly proposed a deployable Mars quadcopter for air patrol and sampling with a sample mass of 100 g. This paper presents a concept for a Mars quadcopter and its mission operations, including operational procedures and flight modes, to provide a framework for future Mars flight sampling missions. We describe the structure and avionics architecture of the Mars quadcopter. Then, we present the hardware and software design of the guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) system to illustrate the autonomous flight control method. Finally, we introduce the deployment mechanism of the Mars quadcopter.