SBIR/STTR
Pyramid Comet Sampler, Phase I
Project Introduction
Based on the sampling requirements, we propose an Inverted Pyramid sampling system. Each face of the pyramid includes a cutting blade which is independently actuated by redundant pyrotechnic actuators. Such sampler shape has a number of advantages. The pyramidal V shape acts as an arrow piercing into the comet surface at a steep angle. The 4 opposing blades offset tangential forces, meaning that only vertical forces would need to be reacted during impact. These forces could be minimized by making the pyramid height low (and in turn the pyramid would be more flat). In the latest Decadal Survey, the committee recommended selecting a Comet Surface Sample Return mission as one of the five New Frontiers 4 (NF4) missions, solidifying the importance of studying returned physical samples from a comet. Lunar South Pole-Aitken Basin Sample Return could also benefit from the development of this sampling approach.
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Anticipated Benefits
Potential NASA Commercial Applications: The acquisition of surface samples from small interplanetary bodies, such as comets and asteroids, as well as small moons like Mars' Phobos and Deimos, holds great scientific interest. Under the NASA Authorization Act, Congress instructed NASA to "plan, develop, and implement a Near-Earth Object (NEO) Survey program to detect, track, catalogue, and characterize the physical characteristics of NEOs equal to or greater than 140 meters in diameter, in order to assess the threat of such near-Earth objects to the Earth." In 2010, President Obama called for a new approach to space exploration, which would include human and robotic exploration of asteroids. In the latest Decadal Survey, the committee recommended selecting a Comet Surface Sample Return mission as one of the five New Frontiers 4 (NF4) missions, solidifying the importance of studying returned physical samples from a comet. Lunar South Pole-Aitken Basin Sample Return could also benefit from the development of this sampling approach. Another mission that the Decadal Survey considered to be strategic for the planetary exploration was Cryogenic Comet Nucleus Sample Return (CCSNR ) Mission. However, the committee agreed that that mission (mainly due to lack of matured technologies) should be left for the 2020+ decade, while in this decade the required technologies (incl. sampling system) should be developed to TRL 6.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
(JPL)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Pasadena, CA |
| Honeybee Robotics, Ltd. | Supporting Organization | Industry | New York, NY |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
-
New York
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Responsible Program:
- SBIR/STTR
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Project Manager:
Principal Investigator:
- Kris Zacny
Project Duration
Start: Jun 2014
End: Dec 2014
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 3 |
| Current: | 3 |
| Estimated End: | 3 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TA 4 Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- TA 4.3 Manipulation
- TA 4.3.6 Sample Acquisition and Handling
Other / Cross-cutting:
- TA 4 Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- TA 4.3 Manipulation
- TA 4.3.7 Grappling
- TA 8 Science Instruments, Observatories, and Sensor Systems
- TA 8.3 In-Situ Instruments and Sensors
- TA 8.3.3 In-Situ (other)