NASA developing robot bees for Mars exploration

The Marsby is a small, bumblebee-sized robot designed to operate on Mars using a Rover as a mobile base. It can stay airborne for 4-6 hours and features a flapping wing design to optimize energy use in low Martian gravity. Equipped with sensors and wireless devices, Marsby will map the Martian surface and search for methane, a potential indicator of life.

What is the primary function of the Rover for Marsby robots?

• To serve as a storage unit for samples

• To act as a communication hub

• To provide entertainment for the robots

• To serve as a mobile base for operations and charging

How long can Marsby robots stay airborne?

• Two to three hours

• Four to six hours

• Twelve to fourteen hours

• Eight to ten hours

What is the size of a Marsby robot compared to?

• A butterfly

• A hummingbird

• A bumblebee

• A dragonfly

What design feature helps Marsby robots absorb wasted energy?

• Solar panels

• Flapping wings with torsional springs

• Jet engines

• Rotating propellers

What is one of the exploration tasks of Marsby robots on Mars?

• Planting trees

• Searching for methane gas

• Mining for minerals

• Building habitats