During Surveyor and Luna missions, thirteen U.S. and Russian landers and rovers examined the surface of the Moon and evaluated soil mechanics using a variety of penetrometers, soil scoops, and nuclear densiometers. Samples of the lunar regolith were returned to earth via unmanned rocket capsules. During the Apollo Era, the U.S. sent six manned missions to the surface of the Moon. Astronauts incorporated various penetrometers, drills, trench excavations, and other techniques to evaluate soil mechanics. Lunar module footpad penetrations and even astronaut footprints were analyzed to obtain soil mechanics information. More recently, focus has shifted to exploration of Mars. To date, two Viking landers and three rovers have explored the surface of Mars. Soil mechanics information has been collected by analysis of rover tracks, trench excavations, airbag impacts, back calculation of landslide features, and footpad penetrations. On Earth, geotechnical engineers and geologists employ a number of standard test procedures. It is important to always keep in mind that almost any penetration or interaction with soil and rock can be analyzed to determine useful properties of those materials.


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    Title :

    Geotechnical Techniques Used in Planetary Exploration


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Biennial Geotechnical Seminar 2006 ; 2006 ; Denver, Colorado, United States


    Published in:

    GEO-Volution ; 109-119


    Publication date :

    2006-11-03




    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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