Insect Robots For Mars Exploration

destructor writes "Thanks to these guys, I found this little robotic article. Aided by NASA's Institute for Advanced Concepts, flying insect robots are looking at a life on our "little red planet", Mars in order to procure some atmospheric information and samples. Since conventional aircraft are unable to precisely navigate the Mars surface due to very thin air qualities, the robots actually have the ability to "move only their wings rapidly - while the body flies slowly", to ease sample collections." Space.com is carrying a piece on this.

Comments

Re:before we explore mars

[atrowe]

The Russians would not send up their cargo module because they were too destitute to finance it's construction and launch. USia has already contributed millions of dollars towards portions of the ISS for which Russia claimed responsibility. They should not have committed to the ISS in the first place if they are unable to foot the bill for their share. A third-world country such as Russia or China has no business exploring space until they can successfully their internal problems. It makes no sense that the government should launch a $15 million Soyuz rocket while it's citizens spend a month's salary on a single loaf of bread.