Planetary Drill Evolution

Abstract

subsurface zones of interest for geo scientific studies. For In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) purposes, it is important to characterize the form and concentration of the resources available, understand the environment the resource is found in, and adequately validate that the processes required to extract and process the resource will operate in the environment for the desired mission duration. Resource characterization can be attained by direct sample analysis or by means of sensor or instrument insertion into a bore hole. Thus a drilling system can be used to support ISRU activities in the early resource definition and resource delineation stages. The Deltion Innovations team has been developing planetary sample acquisition systems since 1999. The team has a unique perspective on space mining hardware; it approaches the problem from a terrestrial mining perspective. Particular emphasis has been on sample acquisition systems based upon drilling and coring technology. The technique can provide a contiguous sample from start of hole to end of drilling. The technique can also be modified to provide “grab” samples at selected depths of the drill hole. The systems developed are capable of penetrating virtually any known naturally occurring drilling media lithology (i.e. formation type), ranging from loosely consolidated regolith through layered sedimentary formations and even including igneous and volcanic rocks like basalts and anorthites. The issue with ISRU drilling systems is to propagate the drill hole with minimal power and limited time in extreme environments. Deltion’s earliest systems applied dry drilling technology (no consumables) suitable for planetary use but still closely resembled terrestrial drills. Subsequent systems focused on mass and volume mitigation, power mitigation, increased autonomy and additional capabilities. Each subsequent system evolved the technologies based on the lessons learned from previous generations. In the more recent generations, integration with other systems was also required; consideration for interfaces including mechanical, electrical and control was essential. The most recent drills, Minicorer and DESTIN, are the most advanced to date, at TRL 5 or 6. Each was subjected to rigorous testing to ensure compliance with an ambitious set of requirements, including integration to other systems. This paper will examine the Deltion drill development from early systems such as the Hydrogeology drill through the Class M deep drill and Excavation and Bulk Regolith Characterization (EBRC) drill for RESOLVE to current systems such as DESTIN and Minicorer, highlighting the lessons learned through each generation and the development of increased capabilities.