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From: hartsoug@oberon.UUCP (Mike Hartsough)
Newsgroups: net.space
Subject: The Ultimate Mars Rover
Message-ID: <204@oberon.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 12-Feb-86 07:37:36 EST
Article-I.D.: oberon.204
Posted: Wed Feb 12 07:37:36 1986
Date-Received: Fri, 14-Feb-86 03:24:13 EST
Distribution: net
Organization: U. of So. Calif., Los Angeles
Lines: 39
Keywords: Blimp


That's right! A non-rigid dirigible!

No surface crawler could match the versatility of a blimp. A blimp
could explore the cauldera of Olympus Mons one day, and the bottom
of the deepest Canyon the next, while a "rover" would have to content
itself with exploring only the most mundane of plains. Blimps aren't
afraid of heights.

The gas bag would be a superb location to place a huge array of
(GaAs) solar panels, more than enough to power the propulsion fans.
With a blimp, there's no need for: A heavy, rugged suspension
system (wheels & stuff), or a parachute system for landing after reentry
(just inflate the gas bag as you fall).

Worried about those 300 mph sandstorms? Here's the solution: If you're
in an uninteresting place that doesn't really impress you, just
ride the winds to a site with more potential. If, on the other hand
you're at the Pyramids ;^) and want to look around some more, just
land and deflate and reel-in the gas bag (saving that precious helium),
throw out the land anchor, and await sunny skies.

This is such a great idea that I wish it were mine. Alas, someone thunked
before me. In July 1984, The Planetary Society sponsored a symposium,
the second in a series on "The Case for Mars". The blimp idea, along
with many others, came about then (I guess). The September 1984 issue of
"Discover" magazine is devoted to Mars, and reports the results of the
symposium. Great issue.

Neat, huh?!

--
        Michael J. Hartsough
        hartsoug@oberon.UUCP

It is to the interest of the commonwealth of mankind that there should
be someone who is unconquered, someone against whom fortune has no power.
                        ---- Seneca
That's why I'm here.