The Prototype of Regolith Sampling Tool Dedicated to Low Gravity Planetary Bodies

Abstract

Surface sampling on small celestial bodies like moons, asteroids or comets requires sophisticated sampling technology, that will be reliable and safe for the lander stability. On the other hand sample volume demands increases, especially in the perspective of future exploitation of Moon or asteroids. To face such requirements the novel sampling tool called PACKMOON was invented and developed at CBK PAN. It’s based on rotary hammering principle and its a main advantage is the low influence to the lander and capability to acquire relatively large samples. Both aspects were confirmed by the test results shown in the paper. In addition two possible application of PACKMOON tool is presented: first related to planned sample return mission and second related to In Situ Resource Utilization activities.