A sample collector for robotic sample return missions I: Temperature effect on collected mass

• Published in: Advances in space research Vol. 42; no. 1; pp. 20 - 24
• Main Authors: Franzen, M.A., Roe, L.A., Buffington, J.A., Sears, D.W.G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2008
• Subjects: Hera mission; Near-Earth asteroids; Sample collection; Sample return missions; Temperature dependence; Temperature dependence; Sample collection; Near-Earth asteroids; Sample return missions; Hera mission
• ISSN: 0273-1177; 1879-1948
• DOI: 10.1016/j.asr.2007.10.012

Sample return is playing an increasingly important role in solar system exploration. Among the possible mission on the horizon, are sample return from asteroids, comets, the Moon and Mars. A collector initially intended for near-Earth asteroids is the touch-and-go-impregnable-pad (TGIP). Here we explore the effect of temperature on its collection capabilities. Temperatures expected on near-Earth asteroid mission targets range from −43 to 36 °C. Experiments were conducted at −75, −50, −25, 23, 65, and 105 °C. It was found that the mass of sample collected by the TGIP increased almost linearly to 23 °C and then leveled off at higher temperatures. We also found that the collector did not lose its ability to collect samples after being subjected to −75 °C temperatures (essentially frozen) and then thawed. These experiments have shown that the TGIP can operate effectively at temperatures expected on near-Earth asteroids, especially if collection is performed on the sunward side of the asteroid.