sun-synchronous navigation

This is from CMU, actually from a 2001 exploration in the Canadian arctic. But in terms of interest in exploring other planets, I found it very interesting.

Hyperion

What is sun-synchronous navigation?

Sun-synchronous navigation is a technique that involves tracking the sun while exploring terrain. It is accomplished by traveling opposite to planetary rotation and in synchrony with the sun to always remain in sunlight. Robotic explorers on the planets and moons can employ sun-synchronous navigation to maintain continual exposure to sunlight to acquire the power necessary to sustain operation for extended periods of time. By setting their speed appropriate to their latitude and navigating to avoid shadows cast by local terrain, these solar-powered robots will be able to operate continuously. Furthermore for some missions, by following the dawn (specifically by lagging the night-to-day terminator by the appropriate amount) these rovers may be able to regulate their climate by remaining in the transient temperature region between nighttime cold and daytime hot.

Why is sun-synchronous robotic exploration important?
Sun-synchronous Navigation is important because it provides the means by which robots may be able to extend the distance and duration of their surface exploration. The technique would enable solar-powered robots to conduct long-duration missions covering vast areas. To date the amazing achievements of planetary rovers have been accomplished in a few weeks or months in an area limited to the landing site. Robots that can explore the environment while reasoning about how much power they need and how to capture the solar energy for it, can potentially operate for many months or even years. Planetary rovers need to be broadly cognizant of their environment-the time, their position and orientation, the position of the sun, and their available and required energy levels to simultaneously optimize a path through the terrain and the amount of solar radiation they receive. Advancing the ability of robots to reason about themselves and their environment is important for many applications including the capability for sun-synchronous navigation.

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