Experimental Measurements of Excavation Forces in Lunar Soil Test Beds

Abstract

A series of experimental tests were performed with the aim of reproducing the in-situ geotechnical measurements conducted on the Surveyor lunar missions. An excavation and bearing test rig was set up that provided controlled high force actuation, and high resolution force and position measurement capabilities. Emphasis was placed methods of repeatable soil bin preparation. A replica of the returned Surveyor III excavator scoop, which is also identical to the Surveyor VII scoop, was fabricated and used in the test setup. Bearing forces using the replica model are compared with the Surveyor VII data. The forces and performance of a flat blade excavator and the SMSS in Nevada sand and JSC-1a lunar simulant are examined.