TESTING SCIENCE-DRIVEN METHODOLOGIES FOR SEMI-AUTONOMOUS ROVERS on THE MOON

The Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) represent the most extensive body of experience conducting field geology remotely on another terrestrial body with a semi-autonomous rover. The methods used for MER on Mars - how, when and in what order measurements or observations are taken - have been examined in order to determine best practices suitable for conducting remote geology on the Moon. To test some of the methods, we have conducted a field test at Cerro de Santa Clara, New Mexico, a region containing volcanic necks and features of varying morphologies, ages and mineralogies. The science goal was to locate, identify and characterize materials analogous to geologic materials important for the study of the lunar South Pole-Aitken Basin.

No rover mock-up or science instruments were used. Instead, at each site a rover science team broke down observational "days" into detailed analysis of three targets of interest. Images simulating a high-resolution stereo imager and a hand lens-scale imager were taken using a professional SLR digital camera with interchangeable lens capability and megapixel imaging. Following data collection and analysis, a field team examined each site using traditional terrestrial field methods, facilitating comparison between what was revealed by human versus rover-inspired methods.

We conclude from this field test that a methodology similar to that used for MER can be adapted for use on the Moon if mission goals are focused on reconnaissance. But if the science goals require higher-level detail, such as identification, characterization and mapping of specific minerals, a different methodology will be needed. We note also that the amount of time the rover science team spent planning observations significantly lessened the time available to analyze acquired data, and thus decreased the usefulness of that data. In a lunar environment where communication may potentially be much more rapid than for MER, this fact may significantly affect science return.