Making Fuels Onboard for Power Bursts in Exploratory Robots

In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) equipment would be incorporated into remotely controlled exploratory robots, according to a proposal, to generate fuels and oxidizers to extend operational ranges and to provide occasional bursts of power for actions like drilling into the ground, hopping over obstacles, flying, or transmitting data on high-power radio signals. In its original form, the proposal is directed toward the development of a locally refueled planetary explorer (LORPEX) — an exploratory robot that could function on a remote planet, without need for fuel transported from Earth and without need for heavy, bulky power-generating equipment that would be utilized to full capacity only occasionally. The proposal might also be applicable to remotely located scientific instruments (e.g., meteorological instruments) on Earth, or even to automobiles.