To demonstrate the feasibility of acquiring various surface samples for a Mars sample return mission the following tasks were performed: (1) design of a Mars rover-mounted drill system capable of acquiring crystalline rock cores; prediction of performance, mass, and power requirements for various size systems, and the generation of engineering drawings; (2) performance of simulated permafrost coring tests using a residual Apollo lunar surface drill, (3) design of a rock breaker system which can be used to produce small samples of rock chips from rocks which are too large to return to Earth, but too small to be cored with the Rover-mounted drill; (4)design of sample containers for the selected regolith cores, rock cores, and small particulate or rock samples; and (5) design of sample handling and transfer techniques which will be required through all phase of sample acquisition, processing, and stowage on-board the Earth return vehicle. A preliminary design of a light-weight Rover-mounted sampling scoop was also developed.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Study of sample drilling techniques for Mars sample return missions


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    1980-04-01


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Mars rover sample return missions

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




    Advanced Technology-Based Low Cost Mars Sample Return Missions

    Wallace, R. A. / Gamber, R. T. / Clark, B. C. | NTRS | 1995


    Enabling Launch Vehicle Technology for Mars Sample Return Missions

    Dorsch, M. / Patel, B. / Mauritz, A. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2000