Sample Canister Capture Mechanism for Mars Sample Return: Design and Testing of an Elegant Breadboard Model
- Paper number
IAC-12,A3,3B,7,x15937
- Author
Mr. Filippo Mailland, CGS S.p.A.Compagnia Generale per lo Spazio, Italy
- Coauthor
Ms. Kelly Geelen, ESA, The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Dr. Pierre Coste, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Dr. Mirco Zaccariotto, CISAS – “G. Colombo” Center of Studies and Activities for Space, University of Padova, Italy
- Coauthor
Prof. Stefano Debei, CISAS – “G. Colombo” Center of Studies and Activities for Space, University of Padova, Italy
- Coauthor
Mr. Carlo Bettanini, CISAS – “G. Colombo” Center of Studies and Activities for Space, University of Padova, Italy
- Coauthor
Dr. Silvio Cocuzza, CISAS – “G. Colombo” Center of Studies and Activities for Space, University of Padova, Italy
- Coauthor
Mr. Emanuele Piersanti, CGS S.p.A.Compagnia Generale per lo Spazio, Italy
- Coauthor
Mr. Emanuele Monchieri, Compagnia Generale per lo Spazio, Italy
- Year
2012
- Abstract
The paper provides the first highlights on the ESA Study: Sample Canister Capture Mechanism Design and Breadboard, done under the Mars Robotic Exploration Preparation (MREP) program. The Study is part of a set of feasibility studies aimed at identifying, analysing and developing technology concepts enabling the future international Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission. The MSR is a challenging mission with the purpose to send a Lander to Mars, acquire samples from its surface/subsurface and bring them back to Earth for further more in depth analyses. In particular, the technology object of the Study is relevant to the Capture Mechanism that, mounted on the Orbiter, is in charge to capture and secure the Sample Canister accommodating the Martian soil samples, previously delivered in Martian orbit by the Mars Ascent Vehicle. Such a technology has been investigated in several past studies, where different concepts based on partial (with rigid frame) or fully inflatable mechanisms have been considered, demonstrating several unsolved criticalities. A new robust concept based on simplicity, lightness and compactness has been developed, able to meet an updated set of requirements coming from the past experimental activity results. The design of such a concept is reported in the paper, based on the technological trade-offs performed, together with the preliminary results of the ongoing breadboarding activities.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-12,A3,3B,7,x15937.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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