Indo-Australia man-robot venture

Indian and Australian space scientists and students are carrying out experiments to compare how well human astronauts and robotic vehicles can work together and perform tasks on Mars.

The experiments that started Friday are being carried out at Flinders Range a rugged environment that simulates the planet Mars. Acting Australian High Commissioner to India Bernard Philip welcomed the innovative collaboration be"The Mars Research Study: Man vs Machine vs Wild" project, which will continue till July 20, will compare how well human astronauts and robotic vehicles can work together and perform tasks on Mars. A project will also involve joint research into geology and astrobiology.

The Indian Institute of Technology (Bombay) is participating in the study, along with the University of New South Wales, Murdoch University and Macquarie University." Geoscience Australia has helped the Indian Space Research Organisation calibrate its satellites, and the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex is tracking India's satellite Mangalyaan on its voyage to Mars," Philip said."This project will further strengthen this collaboration, bringing together current and future space scientists. Australian space industry company Saber Astronautics is managing the project.