Advanced/futuristic Rovers

[OrLoK 20]

Hello there

I am assuming that the majority of the rovers, although not real, are based on technology available now or in the fairly near future.

Is there any mileage on looking a little further ahead towards more advanced technology? I mean for example a larger rover that acts as a central brain,base and control module for other smaller specialised rovers and perhaps flyers.

I'm not talking super advanced tech, but perhaps if one imagined payloads were far cheaper to physically get to Mars then more complex and advance robotic systems could be included in the payload.

This keeps it in the scope of "rovers only" but could open up the game to those who don't want such a *specialised* experience. Piloting a little mini gyrocopter as the *main rover* could be fun, especially with the different density of atmosphere.

It would also give a different and more immediate viewpoint of Mars to be able to play as the *AI* of the main rover and one perhaps could observe it in a different/limited colour spectrum for example.

I think a very real nod has to be kept with regards to reality, so again I don't mean "starwars-esque" kit rather equipment that could make it up if launched from the moon or orbit rather than from earth.

Rgds

LoK

[dram 14]

The first initial design of the rover was actually quite sci-fi, we then decided to keep it more realistic so as not to lose the appeal of the real rovers. In any case, if it were possible to get even larger payloads cheaply to Mars, then I suspect we would see a larger sized laboratory being sent there, or a manned mission, which is mostly limited by budget as well.

Either way, seeing something like that in TOM would be gratifying.