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In the Field with MRD-001: Mars Rover Meets Panda Country (part 2)

4/6/2025

 

Authors: Amy Wang & Chris Yuan

Amy: Team Member and Experiment Researcher | Chris: Founder, UMIC project/Planet Expedition Commanders Academy (PECA); InnovaSpace advisory group

Date of Experiment: April 6, 2025
Location: Huangcaoping, Gengda Township, Wolong District, Sichuan, China
Altitude: 2450 meters (Panda Ping)
Biodiversity Hotspot: Giant Panda Habitat & Buffer Zone
Indigenous groups: Qiang, Tibetan​
​Meet MRD-001: The Mars Recon Dog
As part of the StarG2025 platform, the MRD-001 tracked Mars Scout Dog was deployed for its first dual-test mission — one in an urban indoor setting, and another in the field among alpine meadows and virgin forests.
Built with rugged steel, zinc alloy tracks, and equipped with:
- 180° gimbal servo
- Front push-stream camera
- Infrared thermal imaging (12 MP)
- GPS satellite navigation
- 4G IoT remote control
- Remote intercom system and searchlights
Picture
Image ©: Chris Yuan
The Test
In the first test, the MRD-001 experienced a slope rollover due to camera lag and a collision with a bicycle tire. The controller wires were damaged, but repairs were handled DIY-style — soldered at home by team member Xiao Mao, who also accidentally burned his father’s shirt in the process!
Despite that, the field test in the mountainous Wolong terrain was a success:
- Smooth movement on muddy slopes
- Infrared camera worked reliably
- Multiple participants operated functions hands-on

Biodiversity Snapshot
The Gengda region sits where the Qionglai and Minshan Mountains meet. It supports:
- 2,000+ higher plant species (e.g., Davidia involucrata, Taxus chinensis)
- Giant Pandas (30% of world’s wild population)
- Red Pandas, Sichuan Golden Monkeys, Snow Leopards
- White-lipped Deer, Takin, Weasels, and more
What We Learned
MRD-001 scored 9/10 for performance. Issues with delay and camera streaming were noted, and future upgrades may include a new remote control system.
But more than hardware, this was about learning through doing — exploring how robotics and ecology can unite in citizen-led missions.
From Pandas to Planets
This isn't just a fun field test — it's training for a future where young people help build and sustain interstellar habitats. Think of it as Earth-based astronaut prep… with pandas!

The future of science belongs to the curious — and the courageous.
​

Learn more about Chris Yuan and his activities at LinkedIn
or contact him via ​[email protected]

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