Planetary robots are the current explorers of the Solar System. They can be instruments in their own right, investigating planetary surfaces or atmospheres, or deployment devices for instruments or sample collectors. They can be static, like the Huygens probe that landed on Titan, or mobile like the Mars Exploration Rovers. This is a challenging time for Europe as it develops its planetary exploration plans.
In this interactive round table session, scientists and engineers involved in planetary robotics will discuss current and planned missions, demonstrate hardware and look to the future of planetary exploration. The latest images and animations will be used to illustrate. Audience members will have the opportunity to test their engineering skills with a LEGO model of the Rosetta Lander.