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Precision Subsampling System for Mars (and Beyond)
Abstract
We present details of a precision subsampling system (PSS) under development for surface exploration of Mars and possibly other planets. The PSS combines a fine-scale solid powder extraction tool with sample collection, manipulation, and instrument analysis subsystems in a highly compact package. The system offers future landed missions the ability to selectively analyze heterogeneous surface sample composition on millimeter scales. Analysis of subsamples by mass spectrometry and other tools would then permit characterization of highly-localized chemical and mineralogical phases that could be key indicators of past or present habitability on Mars. Systematic measurements along a finely laminated sedimentary sequence would also lead to a greater understanding of surface formation processes. Following subsystem design and test, our breadboard PSS will undergo full end-to-end characterization at Mars ambient pressures using analog rock samples and integrated prototype spaceflight analytical instruments.
Space exploration has significantly enriched humanity’s understanding of the space environment in which our Earth resides and the evolution of the Solar System. What we know about a celestial body can be greatly enhanced through a thorough analysis of regolith samples. Extraterrestrial regolith-sampling robots are instrumental in acquiring regolith samples for return or in situ analysis in deep-space exploration. This Perspective systematically summarizes the history and latest developments of these robots, covering the basic concepts, historical context and evolution. Extensive insights into the challenges and constraints in sampling extraterrestrial celestial bodies are then explored. An in-depth analysis of the key ground-test technologies that guarantee the reliability and security of extraterrestrial sampling robotic systems is then presented. Next, a comprehensive perspective of the main technical trends in the development of new extraterrestrial regolith-sampling robots is given. Finally, a technical roadmap of China’s future space exploration missions is provided. Extraterrestrial regolith-sampling robots have made great achievements and changed our understanding of the Universe in the past. They will continue to innovate extraterrestrial regolith-exploring methods in even more fundamental ways, and greater achievements are underway. The future of Solar System exploration lies in the subsurface of rocky bodies, including planets. Robots provide a relatively cost-effective and safe method of probing the subsurface; this Perspective summarizes recent efforts in robotic drilling and regolith-sampling methods, concluding with a summary of China’s future space exploration plans.
The Europan molecular indicators of life investigation (EMILI) is an instrument investigation designed to address the top science objectives of a future Europa lander mission, such as documented by the recent Europa Lander Science Definition Team (SDT). EMILI seeks to detect and characterize potential organic molecular biosignatures, which may be present only at ultralow (nM) concentrations. EMILI also characterizes key aspects of the mineralogical context of the samples collected from the Europan near-subsurface to discern the provenance and degree of radiative or oxidative processing they have undergone. Here we present selected EMILI instrument features, including recent prototype mass spectrometer (MS) developments, and preliminary results.
Future exploration of the Moon will require access to the subsurface and acquisition of samples for scientific analysis and ground truthing of water-ice and mineral reserves for in situ resource utilization purposes. The LunarVader drill described in this paper is a 1-m class drill and cuttings acquisition system enabling subsurface exploration of the Moon. The drill employs rotary-percussive action, which reduces the weight on bit and energy consumption. This drilling approach has been successfully used by previous lunarmissions, such as the Soviet Luna 16, 20, and 24, and United States Apollo 15, 16, and 17. These missions and drilling systems are described in detail. The passive sample acquisition system of the LunarVader drill delivers cuttings directly into a sample cup or an instrument inlet port. The drill was tested in a vacuum chamber and penetrated various formations, such as a water-saturated lunar soil simulant (JSC-1A) at-80 degrees C, water-ice, and rocks to a depth of 1m. The system was also field tested in the lunar analog site on Ross Island, Antarctica, where it successfully penetrated to 1-m depth and acquired icy samples into a sample cup. During the chamber and field testing, the LunarVader demonstrated drilling at the 1-1-100-100 level; that is, it penetrated 1 m in approximately 1 h with roughly 100-W power and less than 100-N weight on bit. This corresponds to a total drilling energy of approximately 100 Whr. The drill system achieved high enough technology readiness to be considered as a viable option for future lunarmissions, such as the South Pole-Aitken Basin Sample Return and Geophysical Network missions recently recommended by the Decadal Survey of the National Research Council, and commercial missions, such as Google Lunar X-Prize missions. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)AS.1943-5525.0000212. (C) 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
The mass spectrometer is one of the most powerful laboratory tools for analyzing a broad spectrum of chemical and biological materials, but its applicability to field detection problems has been limited given its large size, heavy weight, and prohibitive power requirements. This situation is rapidly changing, however, as the need for field-portable detection systems becomes more critical. This article reports on an effort to bring small time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer technology to bear on the chemical and biological detection problem. We will describe the development of the Pseudo-Tandem TOF Mass Spectrometer for field-portable biodetection. Incorporated into the analyzer's design is an ion reflector that uniquely records ions which are not detectable in conventional TOF instruments. We will also examine the operating principles of the mass analyzer, the miniaturization of the mass analyzer and other system components, and mass spectral biosignatures.
ime-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry has many applications for the precise analysis and identification of biological and chemical agents. The large size and weight of conventional mass spectrometers limit their portability, delaying sample processing. Miniaturization of TOF detectors should significantly reduce the delay between sample collection and final identification by making available self-contained portable devices. APL has designed and begun integration of a miniaturized TOF spectrometer for completing rapid in situ measurements. This article describes the major components of the system, including an automatic aerosol collector, a sample processor, and a mass spectrometer vacuum chamber load lock. A sample collection tape ties the components together by capturing samples from the collector, transporting the samples through a chemical processing stage, and introducing the samples into the mass spectrometer detector. The tape replaces collection filters, processing slides, and insertion probes normally used to introduce samples into a spectrometer vacuum chamber.