A sample collector for robotic sample return missions III: Impact survivability studies |
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| Authors: | S Azouggagh-McBride LA Roe MA Franzen JA Buffington DWG Sears |
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| Institution: | 1. Arkansas Center for Space and Planetary Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA;2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX 75799, USA;3. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA;4. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA |
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| Abstract: | Laboratory impact tests have been performed on experimental versions of a proposed robotic sample collector for extraterrestrial samples. The collector consists of a retractable aluminum ring containing an impregnable silicone compound that is pressed into the surface of the body to be sampled. As part of a comprehensive program to evaluate this idea, we have performed tests to determine if the samples embedded in the collector medium can survive the impact forces experienced during direct reentry, such as that of the recent Genesis sample return mission. For the present study, samples of sand, rock, glass, and chalk were subjected to decelerations of 1440–2880 g using drop tests. We found that even the most fragile samples, chosen to be representative of a wide range of the types of materials found on the surface of asteroids that have currently been studied, can withstand impacts of the intensity experienced by a sample return capsule during direct reentry. |
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| Keywords: | Impact studies Sample collection Hera mission Near-Earth asteroids Sample return Sample survivability |
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