Novel method of regolith sample return from extraterrestrial body using a puff of gas

Abstract

Future sample return missions to the Moon, asteroids, and in particular, Mars seek reliable and inexpensive methods of returning uncontaminated samples back to Earth. Sample return from the Moon has already been demonstrated in the 1960s and 1970s by US Apollo and Soviet Luna missions; study of these samples in earth laboratories resulted in a quantum leap in planetary science. As opposed to sample return from the Moon, sample return from Mars presents much greater challenges mainly because of the presence of the atmosphere, and sheer distance from the Earth. To reduce a mission complexity and cost, we propose a novel, low risk and actuator-free sample return of Martian regolith, dust and atmosphere. In the proposed scheme, a sample of regolith is acquired directly into a return vehicle using a pneumatic system. We envisage 3 pneumatic tubes to be embedded inside the 3 legs of the lander (for redundancy). Upon landing, the legs will bury themselves into the surface and the tubes will fill up with regolith (and ice, if present). With one puff of gas injected at the base of the tubes, the sample will be lofted into a sampling chamber onboard the return vehicle. An additional chamber can acquire atmospheric gas and dust. The sample return will require only 1) a mechanism to open/close a sampling chamber and 2) a valve to open a gas cylinder.