Martian drone project lands $3.1 million grant to test tech over Mars-like Icelandic lava field
on January 15, 2021, 6:49 AM PST
The craft could enable scientists to explore previously inaccessible areas of Mars, according to the project's principal investigator.
Image: Christopher Hamilton and University of Arizona
On Wednesday, the University of Arizona announced that a team led by a member of its faculty had received a $3.1 million grant to develop drone technologies for future Martian exploration. The Rover–Aerial Vehicle Exploration Networks (RAVEN) team is preparing for tests in Iceland where drones will attempt to fly across a vast lava field and more, according to a University of Arizona press release. There are currently many vehicles roving and orbiting the Red Planet, and the project could enable next-generation multicraft Martian exploration.