Proposal: A Martian free-flyer for surface exploration and site survey operations.

Rationale: It has been earlier studied by a number of groups that Martian exploration could be well-served by aerial surveys of interesting locations on the planet. One drawback to most concepts have been the large aerosurfaces required to fly on the Red Planet. Imagine the possibility of using a flight configuration more akin to a quadcopter drone? It may be possible to generate enough lift via rotor propulsion, or failing that, via more directed turbine propulsion.

Discussion Point: I am personally working through self-training on drone operation, in support of this possible line of inquiry and others possibly served by drone operations of this kind.

Disciplines needed, subject to revision:
Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Control System Design