Humans are an inherently curious species. We are constantly asking questions and finding answers. One of biggest, yet unanswered questions, is whether or not life exists beyond our planet. It is a question that has been pondered for as long as can be remembered. But now, due to Elon Musk’s SpaceX project that aims to bring humans to Mars within the next 6 years, this question has taken on a greater urgency and significance than ever before as humans are set to become an interplanetary species. To yet again tackle this question, humans are now turning to drones for assistance.

Human innovation and the aspiration to understand the unknown has led to the development of amazing technology that not only answers questions that we may have, but also makes our existence a whole lot easier and comfortable. This technology can support the exploration of new frontiers and overcome barriers in interesting and new ways. Combined with drones, this technology can be used to explore for signs of extraterrestrial life.

This new development is a combination of Light Detection And Ranging [LIDAR] and drone technology. LIDAR is a remote sensing application that applies a pulsated laser to estimate variable distances or ranges to our planet. The information is then analyzed with additional data collected by the system to generate very precise 3D intel regarding the shape of the earth as well as its topographical characteristics. Made up of a laser and a scanner, as well as a specialized GPS scanner, the LIDAR instrument when integrated with a drone has the desired effect of combing large areas of terrain under investigation within short periods of time.

Initial tests of the concept have been very promising with SETI (the Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence institute) successfully generating accurate 3D maps of Icelandic lava tubes using LIDAR technology. Moreover, this was achieved in a matter of minutes and supported exploration without the dangers of direct contact with rough and potentially unstable surfaces inherent in lava tubes and caves. Great merits indeed when considering exploration of unknown terrains of Mars or the Moon.

We know that both the moon and Mars are covered in landscapes that could not only be dangerous to humans, but entirely inaccessible at this point. However, it is within these landscapes (similar to the ones used for testing in Iceland) that the questions about life beyond earth may be answered. The use of drones could be critical in exploring & mapping of these areas. The information would then be relayed back to earth for further analysis.

The concept is in place, however a usable prototype is not yet available. The lack of atmosphere on the Moon, as well as a very thin one on Mars, harbors a significant challenge to conventional drones staying aloft. One idea to solve this issue is to equip the drones with small thrusters. Though there is still a lot of work to be done before we launch a drone to our neighbors in the universe, the Icelandic lava tube study was a great step and an indication of great things to come.