Nature-Inspired Design And Engineering (NIDE): A New Tool for the Next Generation of Robotic and Human Space Missions

J. S. Levine et al. (2015), JBIS, 68, pp.389-392

Refcode: 2015.68.389

Abstract:
The next generation of robotic and human space missions will be increasing complex. These missions will be of much longer time duration and will go farther into the Solar System. These new space missions require a re-examination of the existing and traditional techniques and approaches that we have developed in the past and look to new approaches for developing and implementing the next generation of robotic and human space missions. The objective of the paper is to identify some key terms and concepts in the area of nature-inspired design and engineering and to provide a brief introduction/tutorial on nature-inspired design and engineering and its relevance to planning and developing the next generation of robotic and human space missions. Nature- inspired design and engineering may impact the following space mission engineering disciplines: atmospheric flight, structures, materials, guidance, navigation, control, remote sensing techniques and strategies, aerial and space recognition, artificial intelligence, decision making, communication, surface and sub-surface locomotion, energy collection and robotic manipulators.