Center Innovation Fund: GRC CIF
Planetary Anchoring Using Local Material (Regolith) Sintering
Project Description
On earth, using ground anchors is a simple way of countering forces. Ground anchoring on an extraterrestrial surface requires a competing set of requirements: a means of digging using small, low power, and low mass equipment, yet a viable anchor needs larger mass and size at depth. The proposed concept increases the size and mass of a buried device by heat sintering in-situ material.
More »Anticipated Benefits
Exploration to low gravity surfaces including the moon and asteroids would benefit from an anchoring system such as this. In particular, this method could be quite effective for anchoring to, or towing of, asteroids with unconsolidated surface material. Avoiding the up-mass of large digging and anchoring equipment saves cost and reduces risk.
More »Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Glenn Research Center
(GRC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Cleveland, Ohio |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Ohio
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