Researchers supported by the ASTID element of NASA’s Astrobiology program are designing algorithms and instruments that could help future robotic missions make their own decisions about surface sites to explore on other planets. One such instrument is the TextureCam, which is currently being tested with Mars in mind. The technology will improve the efficiency of planetary missions, allowing rovers to collect more data and perform more experiments in less time.

“Roughly speaking, instead of telling the rover to “drive over the hill, turn left 90 degrees and take a picture,” you might tell it to “drive over the hill and take pictures of all the rocks you see,” explains Dr. David Thompson, principle investigator on TextureCam.

The technology behind TextureCam could play a major role in astrobiology research on the surface of planets like Mars. But science autonomy would benefit any instrument. The algorithms could be used on short-lived missions, like a Venus lander, or planetary flybys that happen too quickly for communications with Earth.

The technology also has many applications closer to home. For instance, it will help Earth-observation satellites aim their instruments at cloud-free areas of the planet and recognize weather patterns of interest to climatologists and meteorologists. Currently, the team is running experiments on the IPEX cubesat, helping the mission recognize clouds and terrain.