Innovative Techniques for Mars Rovers to Explore Caves

Engineers at the University of Arizona have developed a communication network system that could allow autonomous rovers to explore caves and other underground features on Mars to scout out habitats for astronauts. The system involves a "mesh topology network" that links different types of rover vehicles, which would deploy communication nodes along the way, just like Hansel and Gretel leave a trail of breadcrumbs. The rovers would continuously monitor their environment and maintain awareness of where they are in space, allowing them to navigate underground environments without ever losing contact with their "mother rover" on the surface.