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Completed TRL 6 (started at 5, targeting 6)
The challenge is to demonstrate a robot that can locate and retrieve geologic samples from a wide and varied terrain without human control or assistance from terrestrial navigation aids such as access to magnetic compasses or Global Position Satellite data. This Challenge requires demonstration of an autonomous robotic system to locate and collect a set of specific sample types from a large planetary analog area and then return the samples to the starting zone.
Demonstrate robots that locate/retrieve pre-defined samples without human control or terrestrial navigation aids. This challenge encourage innovations in robotic navigation, sample manipulation and collection technologies. This is an area of a lot of interest on Earth and needed to get Mars ready for humans.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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