Crew 291 Dr Steven Hobbs

Dr Steven Hobbs

Profile:

Dr Steven Hobbs has a bachelor of science, postgraduate Certificate, Vocational Graduate Diploma and PhD in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing. He has actively researched Martian geomorphology, Earth-based analogues and surface processes. Additionally, Steven is investigating the utility of low-cost sensors and robotics, testing them in near-space environments, to inform the next generation of Moon and Mars exploration. He is currently studying space systems engineering with a focus of developing hyperspectral sensors for deep space applications. 

Research:

As part of Mars Society Australia's research program, I propose undertaking Mars-analogue mineralogy detection through hyperspectral remote sensing. Hyperspectral technology have been critical remote sensing devices for Earth observation, Mars orbital and Mars lander missions. Data returned has provided direct links to past climate suitability for habitation, shaping and tailoring science mission investigation, and deciding where to send a Mars lander in the first place.

The project will entail using a small Mars-analog rover plus VIS/NIR pushbroom sensor that has demonstrated practical field demonstrations in analogous environments in Australia. The rover will be driven to potential outcrops of minerals of interest to Mars exploration such as smectites. The rover will then be commanded to cycle the primary sensor, a pushbroom hyperspectral sensor, to gather the information for later processing. Returned spectral data will be analysed by machine-learning software to identify mineralogy of interest, and compared against field-geologist assessments of the same area to obtain a metric on utility.

Rover mobility, current draw and inference of surface roughness data will also be gathered during the field activity, used to inform suspension designs for a four wheeled Martian rover. Education activities are planned to comprise introduction and lessons on spectral remote sensing, as well as the importance of Mars-analogue rover testing.