Autonomous multirover system for complex planetary surface retrieval operations

As the complexity of the missions to planetary surfaces increases, so too does the need for autonomous operation of the rover systems. This is coupled with the power, weight and computer storage restrictions on such systems.(26) This paper presents a multirover system that is capable of cooperative planetary surface retrieval operations such as a multiple cache recovery mission to Mars. The system employs autonomous navigation, and is coupled through a low bandwidth communication channel. Wie also report the results of some experimental studies in simulated multiple cache retrieval operations in planetary environments.