Abstract In the context of the NASA/ESA Mars Sample Return (MSR) Campaign a Sample Fetch Rover (SFR) has been studied to acquire sample tubes cached on the surface by NASA's Perseverance rover and return them to the Sample Retrieval Lander (SRL) for launch into Mars orbit. The current SFR design, similar in size to ESA's ExoMars Rover, faced significant challenges in terms of accommodation on the lander. An alternative mini Sample Fetch Rover (mSFR) concept is explored in response to these challenges, aiming at a mass target around 20 kg. The miniaturised rover is assessed against some reduced mission requirements to evaluate its usefulness for MSR. The main areas of the mSFR design are discussed herein, with particular attention to traverse and tube fetching strategy. The study suggests that the concept is feasible and could be accommodated on SRL with minimum impact to the lander's design. Furthermore, preliminary analysis shows how the small vehicle could perform a useful role in MSR, making it particularly attractive as a simple backup to other tube delivery methods. Lastly, future investigations and areas of improvement are suggested.

    Highlights Miniaturised rover concept studied for Mars Sample Return. Rover system architecture assessed against mission requirements. Possible to use a 20-kg-class fetch rover as a simple backup for sample retrieval. A 20-kg rover has low risk technologies and minimum impact on the lander.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    A miniaturised fetch rover concept for Mars sample return


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Acta Astronautica ; 206 ; 168-176


    Publication date :

    2023-02-19


    Size :

    9 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English







    Mars Rover Sample Return mission

    Bourke, Roger D. / Kwok, Johnny H. / Friedlander, Alan | NTRS | 1989


    Mars rover sample return missions

    Cunningham, Glenn E. / Rea, Donald G. / Pivirotto, Donna et al. | NTRS | 1988