Scientists are working on sending tiny solar-powered spacecraft to study hard-to-reach parts of Earth’s atmosphere and explore Mars. The spacecraft use a technology called photophoresis, which uses energy from light to levitate in the air. Unlike traditional spacecraft, these devices do not need fuel and can harness natural sunlight.
Researchers have successfully created a centimeter-long flying device using perforated sheets that can stay afloat using sunlight. This design could be scaled up to carry antennae and circuits for monitoring the atmosphere and conducting science work. If successful, this technology could revolutionize space exploration by making it more affordable and efficient.
The goal is to use swarms of these tiny spacecraft to collect high-resolution data on atmospheric conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and wind dynamics. This technology has the potential to be used not only for Mars but also for other planets in our solar system.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/space/tiny-spacecraft-mars-exploration-universe-b2807024.html