Automated Drilling Field Demonstrations Exceed Goals, Go “Naked” in Haughton Crater 2006 DAME Tests
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To look for ice or especially organics on Mars, we will need to drill below the oxidized and irradiated surface, probably at least 1-2m. Hardened subsurface ice layers aren’t going to be addressed with lightweight scoops on manipulator arms, drills will be needed.
But drilling is an art form on Earth, even “automated” offshore oil drilling platforms have control rooms full of people watching and adjusting the drilling.
