The Tianwen-1 roving exploration technology for the Martian surface

Abstract

<p indent="0mm">The surface of Mars is rugged with deceptive soil—hard on the surface and loose underneath. The light intensity is only one-fifth of the lunar surface, and dust storms are unpredictable, which will cause mobility and energy risks to the rover. Additionally, due to severe communication limitations between Earth and Mars, interactions between the rover and Earth occur only one or two times per Martian day. Mission control on Earth cannot identify the risks in time to direct the rover out of danger. Hence, the rover must solve problems with respect to work safety and efficiency on its own. To meet the new challenges faced by the Mars rover, it uses creative technology for safe and efficient exploration on the surface of Mars in soft soil and rugged terrain, energy security under the conditions of weak light and dust, and independent survival under the limited communication conditions between Earth and Mars. The problems of safe movement of the rover, energy acquisition, efficient roving exploration, and independent survival have been solved.