Micro Gravity Experiment and 3 Dimensional Dynamic Analysis of Tethered Sampler

Abstract

As a new sampling technique, a “Harpoon & Penetrator” method by a tethered sampler is planned instead of “Touch and Go” method for the next sample return project of small celestial bodies explorations. This paper reports about the results of micro gravity experiments by using parabolic flights of the airplane in order to analyze 3-dimensional dynamic behavior of the tethered rigid body. Objectives of the experiments are demonstration of feasibility of the present sampling method and observation of dynamic characteristics in micro gravitational environments. The extraction / catching experiments and the launch / deployment experiments are explained in this paper. These results contribute to the feasibility study of the tethered sampler and will help to understand the characteristics and to make trade off of the tethered sampling methods.