NASA backs robotic bees to explore Mars
The planned Marsbees would be larger than their natural counterparts. Huge wings would help them hover in the Red Planet's thin atmosphere. (AP images). AP/AAP
The development of robotic bees, designed to explore the surface of Mars, is being funded by NASA.
The cyber insects – known as Marsbees – are the size of bumblebees but would be fitted with giant wings to enable them to hover in the Martian atmosphere, which is 100 times thinner than Earth’s.
Under NASA’s plan, a swarm of the mini robots – fitted with sensors and wireless communication systems – would explore the Red Planet’s surface.
Their mission would include mapping terrain, capturing samples and investigating signs of life such as methane emissions.
The Marsbees would operate from a mobile base – such as a rover vehicle – where they would recharge their power after flying.
While there are rovers currently exploring Mars, they move very slowly. One - NASA’s Curiosity rover - has covered only 18kms since it landed there in 2012.
Dr Chang-kwon Kang, of the University of Alabama, said: “Marsbees are robotic flapping wing flyers of a bumblebee size with cicada sized wings.
“They are integrated with sensors and wireless communication devices. The swarm of Marsbees can significantly enhance the Mars exploration mission.”
The project, developed by US and Japanese scientists, is part of NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts Scheme and received $163,000 funding from the space agency.
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