Field Geology/Processes

Abstract

The field geology/processes group examined the basic operations of a terrestrial field geologist and the manner in which these operations could be transferred to a planetary lander. We determined four basic requirements for robotic field geology: geologic context, surface vision, mobility, and manipulation. Geologic context requires a combination of orbital and descent imaging. Surface vision requirements include range, resolution, stereo, and multispectral imaging. The minimum mobility for useful field geology depends on the scale of orbital imagery. Manipulation requirements include exposing unweathered surfaces, screening samples, and bringing samples in contact with analytical instruments. To support these requirements we recommended several advanced capabilities for future development. Capabilities include near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, multispectral microscopy, artificial intelligence in support of imaging, XRD/XRF, and rock chipping.