Martian Moons eXplorer (MMX) is a sample-return mission of Phobos, the larger moon of Mars. To achieve the mission, a high-resolution 3D model of Phobos is essential, which requires a large number of high-resolution images to be sent back to Earth with enough quality before carrying out the landing activity. To realize this, the data transfer bandwidth is the bottleneck, and we adopt CCSDS 122.0-B-1 image compression, a variation of data compression based on the DWT method. This method allows us to select only one output quality for one image compression. On the other hand, the data transfer strategy shall be to transfer minimum-quality images first for quick looks and full-quality ones later. To realize this with the least computing power, we modified the method to output a low-quality full image and two supplemental data sets to better quality. This work is based on the CCSDS 122.0-B-1 implementation by a group of the University of Nebraska Lincoln.
Crucial questions for possible utilization of Near Earth Asteroids include how to break asteroid materials down to
particle sizes that can be processed. This remained difficult to answer because of the limited number and resolutions of
images previous obtained through asteroid missions. Recently, the Hayabusa spacecraft obtained unprecedentedly high-resolution
images of a ~300m-sized asteroid, Itokawa, which gives unique opportunity to discuss the nature of surface
materials on a small asteroid. Hayabusa reveals that the asteroid is covered by fine- and coarse-grained materials,
including granules, pebbles, cobbles, and boulders up to tens of meters. Gravels on this small asteroid appear to be
loosely deposited along the gravitational equipotential surfaces. The existence of smooth areas as well as boulder-rich
rough areas indicate that gravels should have experienced migrations and segregations. Thus, the issue regarding the
breaking of asteroid materials appears to have been resolved naturally, at least for this asteroid, which has important
implications for future robotic missions dedicated to resource exploration and utilization.
If the goal of planetary exploration is to build a permanent and expanding, self-sustaining extraterrestrial civilization,
then clever and myriad uses must be made of planetary resources. Resources must be identified and evaluated
according to their practicality. A new economy should be devised based on resource occurrence, ore accessibility,
options for ore transport, material beneficiation, and manufacturing; end uses and demand; and full economic
cost/benefit assessment. Locating and evaluating these resources should be done with coordinated robotic assets
arrayed in orbit and on the surface. Sensor arrays and tandem on-ground means of physical manipulation of rocks
should incorporate highly capable onboard data processing, feature detection, and quantification of material
properties; intelligent decision making; a flexible capacity to re-order priorities and act on those priorities in carrying
out exploration programs; and human-robot interaction. As resource exploration moves into exploitation, sensors
working in tandem with robust physical manipulation will place increased emphasis on automation in effective and
safe robotic quarrying, tunneling, boring, and ore beneficiation. Any new global planetary economy will have to
weigh the efficiency of resource identification and utilization with full-spectrum cost/benefit assessment for human
health and safety, the environment, future habitability and sustainability, and human priorities in the development and
growth of civilization. It makes no sense to rove from one planet to another in a wave of resource use and depletion,
like interplanetary locusts. Robotic systems will open new worlds to human use, but they will also place a premium
on human ability to control exponentially growing consumption.
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