Planning for Rover Opportunistic Science

Daniel M. Gaines
daniel.gaines@jpl.nasa.gov  
Tara Estlin
tara.estlin@jpl.nasa.gov  
Forest Fisher
forest.fisher@jpl.nasa.gov  
Caroline Chouinard
caroline.chouinard@jpl.nasa.gov  
Rebecca Castano
rebecca.castano@jpl.nasa.gov  
Robert C. Anderson
robert.anderson@jpl.nasa.gov  


Abstract


The Mars Exploration Rover Spirit recently set a record for the furthest distance traveled in a single sol on Mars. Future planetary exploration missions are expected to use even longer drives to position rovers in areas of high scientific interest. This increase provides the potential for a large rise in the number of new science collection opportunities as the rover traverses the Martian surface. In this paper, we describe the OASIS system, which provides autonomous capabilities for dynamically identifying and pursuing these science opportunities during long-range traverses. OASIS uses machine learning and planning and scheduling techniques to address this goal. Machine learning techniques are applied to analyze data as it is collected and quickly determine new science goals and priorities on these goals. Planning and scheduling techniques are used to alter the rover’s behavior so that new science measurements can be performed while still obeying resource and other mission constraints. We will introduce OASIS and describe how planning and scheduling algorithms support opportunistic science.

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