Intelligent micro probe robot for small body exploration

Abstract

Recently small body exploration missions have received a lot of attention in the world. In small body explorations, especially, detailed in-situ surface exploration by tiny probe is one of effective and fruitful means and is expected to make strong contributions towards scientific studies. JAXA/ISAS is promoting MUSES-C mission, which is the world’s first sample and return attempt to/from the near earth asteroid. Hayabusa spacecraft in MUSES-C mission took the tiny probe, which was expected to perform the in-situ surface exploration by hopping. This paper describes the system design, mobility and intelligence of the developed unmanned explorer. This paper also presents the ground experimental results and the flight results.