The novel idea and technical progress of lunar in-situ condition preserved coring

Abstract

The moon is rich in material resources, lunar-based sampling is the foundation for an in-depth understanding of lunar material resources endowment characteristics, exploring the evolution of lunar geological structure, and realizing lunar material resources exploitation. This paper briefly introduces the lunar sampling work represented by the Apollo program of the United States, the Luna program of the former Soviet Union, and China’s Chang’E-5 lunar exploration mission, a total of 10 times of successful coring were performed, with a maximum coring depth of 305 cm and a maximum sampling of 110.5 kg. It presents an in-depth analysis of the inadequacy of the existing lunar coring principles and technologies. This paper expounds on the critical strategic significance and scientific value of lunar in-situ condition preserved coring (ICP-Coring). Simultaneously, this paper firstly refines the scientific concept of lunar ICP-Coring in the field of deep space material resources exploitation as the "four preservations" coring (preservation of composition, vacuum storage, stratification/bedding, and compactness)—the "4 Ps" coring, puts forward the fundamental principles, conception, breakthrough theory, and critical core technology of the "4 Ps" lunar ICP-Coring. It explains the latest research progress, including core drilling machinery, film-forming mechanism while drilling, and a platform for fidelity coring testing and analysis under a simulated lunar environment. The research results provide theoretical and technical support for lunar ICP-Coring and resource exploration.