Mars Torus, based in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, is the brainchild of Matthew Kelly, winner of the 2018 Humanitarian Award for drone search and rescue from the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI ) in the US.
The Mars Torus concept involves the Mars Torus vehicle which supported by Mars-orbiting cube satellites would conduct atmospheric particle analyses and high-resolution terrain mapping of Mars. A uniquely sculpted torus would float two kilometres above the Martian surface, exploring locations for human habitation and mineral exploitation.
Mars Torus team members include Matthew Kelly (CEO Mars Torus), Anthony Kelly (George Mason University), William Farrelly (Letterkenny Institute of Technology Ireland), Josipa Alilović (University of Amsterdam), and Andre Prince (International Space University).
Bruce Hannah, CTO National Space Centre Ltd and head of the Irish judging panel said “It is very exciting to see Irish initiatives utilise satellite technology to investigate life and opportunity on Mars. We congratulate Mars Torus on their win and wish the team every success in progressing this award winning concept.”
The Galileo Masters Ireland Challenge is sponsored and organised by National Space Centre Ltd.
Photo: (l-r) Eamonn Kelly, Mars Torus; Billy Farrelly, Mars Torus; Matthew Kelly, Mars Torus, Josipa Alilovic, Mars Torus; Bruce Hannah, National Space Centre Ltd.