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Tumbleweed: Wind-propelled Surficial Measurements for Astrobiology and Planetary ScienceTumbleweed is a wind-propelled long-range vehicle based on well-developed and tested technology, instrumented to perform surveys Mars analog environments for habitability and suitable for a variety of missions on Mars. Tumbleweeds are light-weight and relatively inexpensive, making it very attractive for multiple deployments or piggy-backing on a larger mission. Tumbleweeds with rigid structures are also being developed for similar applications. Modeling and testing have shown that a 6 meter diameter Tumbleweed is capable of climbing 25 hills, traveling over 1 meter diameter boulders, and ranging over a thousand kilometers. Tumbleweeds have a potential payload capability of about 10 kilograms with approximately 10-20 Watts of power. Stopping for science investigations can also be accomplished using partial deflation or other braking mechanisms. Surveys for Astrobiology and other applications of tumbleweeds are shown.
Document ID
20040191833
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Kuhlman, K. R. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Behar, A. E. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Jones, J. A. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Carsey, F. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Coleman, M. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Bearman, G. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Buehler, M. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Boston, P. J. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
McKay, C. P. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Rothschild, L. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2004
Publication Information
Publication: Second Conference on Early Mars: Geologic, Hydrologic, and Climatic Evolution and the Implications for Life
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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IDRelationTitle20040191770Collected WorksSecond Conference on Early Mars: Geologic Hydrologic, and Climatic Evolution and the Implications for Life
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