Free-Flying Robotic System for Interplanetary Prospecting and In Situ Resource Utilization

This paper presents preliminary results towards the development of a new set of systems and technologies that support in situ resource utilization (ISRU) for future space exploration missions to near-earth objects (NEO). In situ resource utilization has called the attention of researchers since it would greatly facilitate planetary exploration by drawing needed resources from the local environment, reducing costs of operation and making more feasible long term space exploration missions. Due to the nature of these extreme environments, this requires the development of novel technologies and advanced unmanned space systems integrated with sample-capture devices designed to prospect the desired resources. In particular, this research effort is focused on the development of advanced flight control systems, vision-aided navigation algorithms, and design and implementation of micro sampling system devices to be implemented in a marsupial free-flyer prospector vehicle. The preliminary results presented in this paper show favorable and feasible results in order to use some of these technologies to advance future space exploration missions.