Abstract: A sample collection system for an extraterrestrial vehicle and method of operating is provided. The system includes an inlet conduit configured to receive a gas stream. A chamber having an inlet is fluidly coupled to the inlet conduit, the inlet and chamber configured to induce cyclonic flow. A container is removably disposed within the chamber, the container having a first opening fluidly coupled to the inlet and an outlet. An exhaust conduit is fluidly coupled to the outlet. A filter is disposed between the exhaust conduit and the chamber.

Abstract: A sample capture assembly and method of operating is provided. The assembly includes a sampler device configured to retrieve a sample from a surface. A first bellows having a first inlet is fluidly coupled to the sample device, the bellows being selectively movable between a compressed and an extended position. A gate valve having a second inlet is coupled to an end of the first bellows opposite the first inlet. A sample container is fluidly coupled to the gate valve.

Abstract: A sample capture assembly and method of operating is provided. The assembly includes a sampler device configured to retrieve a sample from a surface. A first bellows having a first inlet is fluidly coupled to the sample device, the bellows being selectively movable between a compressed and an extended position. A gate valve having a second inlet is coupled to an end of the first bellows opposite the first inlet. A sample container is fluidly coupled to the gate valve.

Abstract: A system and method of acquiring and delivering samples, such as in association with an interplanetary vehicle is provided. The system includes a gas delivery assembly having a storage tank with a compressed gas. A sampler device is provided having a hollow interior, the hollow interior having a curved and angled surface, an open end and an exit end. A plurality of nozzles are fluidly coupled between the hollow interior and the storage tank, at least one of the plurality of nozzles arranged to direct the compressed gas towards the exit end. A sample capture assembly is further provided having a container fluidly coupled to the exit end.

Abstract: A system and method of acquiring and delivering samples, such as in association with an interplanetary vehicle is provided. The system includes a gas delivery assembly having a storage tank with a compressed gas. A sampler device is provided having a hollow interior, the hollow interior having a curved and angled surface, an open end and an exit end. A plurality of nozzles are fluidly coupled between the hollow interior and the storage tank, at least one of the plurality of nozzles arranged to direct the compressed gas towards the exit end. A sample capture assembly is further provided having a container fluidly coupled to the exit end.

Abstract: A method and system whereby a narrow linewidth coherent laser source when transmitted as a plurality of output signals and subsequently detected at a distance appears to produce the uniform illumination characteristics of an incoherent source thereby suppressing laser speckle and environmentally induced scintillation effects. A master oscillator source is split into N signals, each of which is independently phase modulated by frequencies designed to minimize a derived apparent incoherence factor. The signals are then either directed to an object to be illuminated so that they overlap at the object or first recombined and directed to the object.