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Technology

The science driver of the LifeSpringsMars mission concept will require development of a multi-asset autonomous system that is directly relevant to mining, defence, and remote operations. Image of Mars Exploration Rover-2, Spirit, by NASA.

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  1. Multi-asset CONOPS

    Global space exploration trends see missions planned and operated as public-private partnerships, with university consortia and international teams providing technology and science support.

    Existing missions already use autonomous features to deal with such issues like communications delay, navigation, and hazard avoidance. But autonomous multi-asset coordination (satellites + drones + rovers + surface infrastructure) is still in early stages for concept of operations and mission architectures, as on Earth.

     

  2. Working with Uncharted AI

    Built by EX-NASA engineers, Uncharted AI’s core technology is a Foundational Autonomy Stack that fuses data from LiDAR, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), hyperspectral sensors, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and cameras to enable autonomous mapping, mineral detection, and navigation in GPS-denied environments. The system leverages AI/ML analytics and domain-specific foundation models to deliver real-time 3D maps, mineral probability layers, sampling, and hazard detection, applicable across mining, defense, and space sectors.

    Technology Overview:

    • Foundational Autonomy Stack integrating AI, multi-sensor fusion (LiDAR, IMU, cameras, GPR, hyperspectral), and decision-making frameworks.
    • Enables autonomous ground and aerial systems to operate in GPS-denied, unstructured, and extreme environments.
    • Proven dual-use applicability across mineral exploration, defense, and planetary missions.
    Pilot Deployments:

    • Mining: Active pilot engagements with leading Australian, Indian and global mining operators for critical resource discovery in greenfield projects.
    • Defence: Ongoing pilots with agencies in India, Europe, and Israel focused on GPS-denied navigation and autonomous subterranean mapping.
    • Space: Selected for international space resource challenges and collaborating with major space agencies on lunar mining and ISRU technology demonstrations.