Physics
Scientific paper
Dec 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009agufm.p43a1418s&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2009, abstract #P43A-1418
Physics
[5494] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Instruments And Techniques, [6225] Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects / Mars
Scientific paper
A potential future goal of the Mars exploration program is to return planetary samples to Earth for analysis. Although the suite of science instruments that are planned for the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission is very advanced, the testing and analysis still does not come close to matching that which can be done here on Earth. Integrated Mars Sample Acquisition and Handling (IMSAH) is a technology development program focused on designing an end-to-end system capable of acquiring cores from Martian rocks and preparing them for possible return to Earth. The IMSAH subsystem consists of a rotary percussive Sample Acquisition Tool (SAT) and a rover-mounted Sample Handling, Encapsulation, and Containerization (SHEC) system. The SAT would obtain cores approximately 5cm in length and 1cm in diameter. The SAT would acquire the cores directly into sample tubes that are held inside the drill bit. The SHEC would then remove the sample tube (which would contain a core sample), seal the sample tube, and place the sealed sample tube into a canister that would contain all cores to be potentially returned to Earth. The conceptual design of the SAT includes a rotary percussive drilling mechanism, a core break-off mechanism, a core retention mechanism, and a bit change mechanism. The SHEC contains a small number of replacement drill bits, a sample analysis and encapsulation station, and a sample return canister that would be filled with sample tubes and the cores they contain. An ongoing test program is examining elements of the subsystem and refining the design. The IMSAH subsystem is one part of the technology required to enable a potential Mars sample return program.
Backes Paul
Collins C. L.
Hudson N.
Kriechbaum Kristo
Lindemann R.
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