A report discusses the robotic arm tool for rapidly acquiring permafrost (RATRAP), which is being developed for acquiring samples of permafrost on Mars or another remote planet and immediately delivering the samples to adjacent instruments for analysis. The prototype RATRAP includes a rasp that protrudes through a hole in the bottom of a container that is placed in contact with the permafrost surface. Moving at high speed, the rasp cuts into the surface and loads many of the resulting small particles of permafrost through the hole into the container. The prototype RATRAP has been shown to be capable of acquiring many grams of permafrost simulants in times of the order of seconds. In contrast, a current permafrost-sampling system that the RATRAP is intended to supplant works by scraping with tines followed by picking up the scrapings in a scoop, sometimes taking hours to acquire a few grams. Also, because the RATRAP inherently pulverizes the sampled material, it is an attractive alternative to other sampling apparatuses that generate core or chunk samples that must be further processed by a crushing apparatus to make the sample particles small enough for analysis by some instruments.
This work was done by Gregory Peters of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free online at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Machinery/Automation category. NPO-43128
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Tool for Sampling Permafrost on a Remote Planet
(reference NPO-43128) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), specifically focused on a new technology identified as NPO-43128, which pertains to a tool designed for sampling permafrost on remote planets. This innovation is referred to as the Robotic Arm Tool for Rapidly Acquiring Permafrost (RATRAP).
The primary purpose of the RATRAP is to facilitate the collection of permafrost samples in extraterrestrial environments, which is crucial for understanding planetary geology and potential astrobiology. The document emphasizes the significance of this technology within the broader context of aerospace-related developments, highlighting its potential applications not only in space exploration but also in various scientific and commercial fields.
The Technical Support Package is part of NASA's Commercial Technology Program, which aims to disseminate information about technological advancements that may have wider implications beyond their initial aerospace applications. The document serves as a resource for researchers, engineers, and industry professionals interested in the latest innovations from NASA.
Additionally, the document provides contact information for the NASA Scientific and Technical Information (STI) Program Office, where further assistance and information can be obtained. This includes a website link, a physical address, and contact details for inquiries.
It is important to note that the document contains proprietary information and is subject to U.S. export control regulations. As such, users are advised to comply with all applicable laws when utilizing the information contained within.
In summary, the Technical Support Package outlines the development of a robotic tool designed for efficient permafrost sampling on remote planets, showcasing NASA's commitment to advancing technology for space exploration and its potential benefits across various sectors. The RATRAP represents a significant step forward in the capabilities of robotic systems in extraterrestrial environments, contributing to our understanding of planetary bodies and the potential for life beyond Earth.
