Review on planetary regolith-sampling technology

Zhang, Tao; Wang, Bin; Wei, Hongyu; Zhang, Yinliang; Chao, Chaoyue; Xu, Kun; Ding, Xuhua; Hou, Xuyan; Zhao, Zhiyuan

doi:10.1016/j.paerosci.2021.100760

Cited by 46 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 141 publications

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“…The Soviet Union acquired approximately 300 g of lunar samples during its Luna-16/20/24 missions through surface or subsurface robotic drills (Zhang et al, 2021c). The United States acquired 382 kg of lunar samples in their six crewed missions, and a 3-m multi-string drill was operated by astronauts in the Apollo 15–17 missions for subsurface sample collection (Allton 1989).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To overcome these limitations, designing high-performance robotic samplers to penetrate the subsurface regolith for instrument placement and sample collection has become an increasingly important research topic (Bar-Cohen and Zacny 2020; Bellingham and Rajan 2007; Chien and Wagstaff 2017; Lester et al, 2017; Murphy 2021). Various robotic regolith samplers have been proposed, designed, and utilized for lunar exploration over the past half-century (Zhang et al, 2021c; Naclerio et al, 2021; Skonieczny et al, 2016). These samplers can be classified into two categories based on their penetration depth: surface and subsurface samplers (Wei et al, 2021; Allton 1989; Lopez-Arreguin and Montenegro 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Because the previous lunar sample was obtained by the Luna 24 mission in 1976, there was a 44-year gap before the Chinese Chang’E 5 mission obtained 1,731-g lunar samples using a robotic drill and excavator (Zhang et al, 2021c; Xu et al, 2022). Fortunately, we had the opportunity to participate in the design and testing of the robotic drill used for this mission, which successfully penetrated 1 m into the lunar regolith and collected 259.72 g of samples on December 2, 2020.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Robotic drilling for the Chinese Chang’E 5 lunar sample-return mission

Zhang

Pang

Zeng

et al. 2023

The International Journal of Robotics Research

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On December 2, 2020, a 2-m class robotic drill onboard the Chinese Chang’E 5 lunar lander successfully penetrated 1 m into the lunar regolith and collected 259.72 g of samples. This paper presents the design and development, terrestrial tests, and lunar sampling results of the robotic drill. First, the system design of the robotic drill, including its engineering objectives, drill configuration, drilling and coring methods, and rotational speed determination, was studied. Subsequently, a control strategy was proposed to address the geological uncertainty and complexity of the lunar surface. Terrestrial tests were conducted to assess the sampling performance of the robotic drill under both atmospheric and vacuum conditions. Finally, the results of drilling on the lunar surface were obtained, and the complex geological conditions encountered were analyzed. The success of the Chinese Chang’E 5 lunar sample-return mission demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed robotic drill. This study can serve as an important reference for future extraterrestrial robotic regolith-sampling missions.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Robotic drilling for the Chinese Chang’E 5 lunar sample-return mission

Zhang

Pang

Zeng

et al. 2023

The International Journal of Robotics Research

Self Cite

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“…The mole drilling technique (which mainly uses mechanical or ultrasonic vibration to penetrate) in space applications faces some difficulties, especially in dense, high cohesive, or hard soil due to its low penetration force and rate [11], and lack of OHW. The mole drill is normally connected to the power supply by tether without a rigid connection, and utilises an internal hammering mechanism [12].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

DROD: bio-robotic drill/sampler for planetary subterranean exploration: experiments and challenges

Alkalla,

Pitcher

2023

Bioinspir. Biomim.

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Key features for space exploration equipment, and in particular drills and sampling mechanisms, are low weight, small size, and energy efficiency. These characteristics are substantially required not only in reducing the spaceship flight cost, but also in extending the exploration time on the extraterrestrial bodies. This article experimentally investigates the feasibility of a novel drill bioinspired by wood-wasp and sand-fish lizard as an integrated robotic solution for rover exploration tasks. A new penetration depth of 820 mm in terms of reciprocation drilling technique has been achieved by the proposed dual reciprocation and oscillation drill (DROD), especially with the new enhancements such as miniature sample compartment and toothed stems. Additionally, a first sampling experiment with DROD has been performed and a sample amount of 20 g and size of 30 cm3 has been collected successfully. Finally, the article provides developments for integration of DROD with rovers for future exploration missions and potentials for horizontal drilling for subterranean applications.

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“…The characterization of the thermophysical properties of regoliths is one key measurement in planetary exploration [1][2][3][4]. This characterization can be made in situ, typically using an insertion mechanism or drilling [5,6], which can sometimes be complex [7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%