THE DESIGN OF THE DRILL BIT & SAMPLE ACQUISITION MECHANISM DBSAM

Abstract

Space scientists and technologists spend more and more efforts developing principles and technologies for Mars exploration. One of the most important tasks is to analyze subsurface Martian soil and rocks for traces of past or present life. The Mars Lander should possess a reliable and compact drilling and sample acquisition mechanism which can be stored on board the Lander and be assembled automatically during operation. An important part of this mechanism is a drill bit and sample acquisition mechanism (DBSAM). Its primary functions are going to be drilling deep into rock or regolith and sample acquisition. Samples are to be either of particulate or solid material and must be contained within the device until ejection. This article discusses and elaborates a design of the DBSAM.