Exomars: sample preperation and distribution system and instruments under development

Paper number

IAC-16,A3,3B,4,x33896

Coauthor

Dr. Peter Hofmann, OHB System AG - Munich, Germany

Coauthor

Ms. Andrea Jaime, OHB System AG, Germany

Coauthor

Dr. Lutz Richter, OHB System AG, Germany

Coauthor

Dr. Wolfgang Schulte, OHB System AG, Germany

Coauthor

Dr. Herbert Mosebach, OHB System AG, Germany

Year

2016

Abstract

This paper provides a progress report on the on-going ‎development ‎of the Sample Processing ‎and ‎Distribution ‎Subsystem (SPDS) for the 2018 ExoMars ‎rover‎ mission.‎

The SPDS is being developed by OHB under direct ‎subcontract to TAS-I to supply ‎the ‎scientific ‎instruments of ‎the ExoMars rover with ‎granular ‎Mars rock and soil samples of a ‎specific ‎particle size distribution. This is ‎achieved through a set ‎of mechanisms making up the SPDS ‎which receive the ‎samples from the rover drill, ‎crush, meter (‘dose’) and ‎distribute ‎them.‎

Since ‎mid 2013, OHB Munich have also been ‎developing the structure of the ExoMars rover ‎analytical ‎laboratory (ALD) (a task ‎delegated to OHB ‎by TAS-I) including the ALD pressurized Ultra Clean ‎Zone ‎‎(UCZ) surrounding the sample ‎path, on which this ‎paper also provides an update on, including ‎the ‎attendant development of the UCZ pressure ‎relief valve ‎and of the ALD optical windows that likewise ‎are under ‎responsibility of OHB.‎

Currently, the SPDS as well as the ALD structure are completing their qualification programme, and ‎flight H/W production has started.‎

Moreover, some scientific instruments, or part of them, are presently being studied and breadboarded ‎by OHB System AG, such as

•	A Raman Instrument (Spanish lead) allowing identification of mineralogy and - even more important ‎for the ExoMars Mission – of biogenic signatures for particles down to single bio-organisms like ‎bacteria or spores. ‎

•	A high resolution camera (HRC) mounted on the rover mast and developed jointly with the DLR ‎planetary research institute in Berlin (DLR-PF).‎

Abstract document

IAC-16,A3,3B,4,x33896.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-16,A3,3B,4,x33896.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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