Verification and Validation of DESTIN as the Primary Sample Acquisition Tool for the RESOLVE Project

Abstract

THE Canadian Space Agency (CSA) as part of its Exploration Surface Mobility (ESM) project has been developing ISRU specific tools including drilling and sample acquisition systems. NORCAT received a contract from CSA to develop a large sample acquisition system as a primary feed system to the NASA RESOLVE (Regolith and Environment Science and Oxygen and Lunar Volatiles Extraction) lunar prospecting system. DESTIN (Drilling Exploration & Sample Technology Integrated) is a drill system that consists of a sample acquisition system capable of developing and capturing a drill sample up to 1metre in length and transferring that sample to a parsing device which separates the core into segments to feed into the NASA analysis suite (OVEN and LAVA). The system can carry up to four tools, including a 50cm augering tool, a push tube for unconsolidated material and a coring auger tool for consolidated material, in an integrated tool handling system, for tool change out to suit the drilling conditions. DESTIN has been designed and built to meet a variety of mechanical, electrical, control, communications, environmental, and capabilities requirements as specified by CSA in conjunction with NASA. Extensive testing conducted focused on meeting those requirements related to the Field Deployment Unit (FDU), while validating the design and hardware for subsequent Technology Readiness Levels (TRL’s), specifically the Vacuum Development Unit (VDU) and flight unit. Testing environments included extreme temperatures and vacuum (1x10-2 torr), as well as dust, mud, humidity, and precipitation.