2019 URSI Asia-Pacific Radio Science Conference (AP-RASC) | 2019
CubeSats aided Wireless Sensor Networks for exploration of Mars and Venus
Abstract
Mars has been found to be the most prospective solar system exploration target because of plausible existence of extinct/extant life. After Mars, Venus exploration has been gaining momentum in recent times due to its physical similarities and contrast environment with respect to Earth. Detailed exploration of these two planetary objects can provide several fold increase in our understanding about the terrestrial planets and their evolution. For this purpose, long-term in situ measurements at geographically distinct locations are necessary. The biggest hurdle in this endeavor is the difficult targets and/or harsh environments that are encountered both during deployment and surface operations. Landers/Rovers experience difficulty in reaching inaccessible but scientifically favourable terrains on Mars, while on Venus, deploying a Lander/Rover itself is a big challenge due to its harsh environment, and Long-term spatio-temporal investigations are not at all feasible by Lander / Rover missions.