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 dual aerial-drop penetrometer system includes a high-velocity (>30 m/s) penetrometer aerial unit combined with a low-velocity (<10 m/s) penetrometer aerial unit. The primary penetrometer is formed as an outer shell having the secondary penetrometer received in telescoping fashion within, which is ejected by a spring ejection mechanism upon impact of the outer shell. Both penetrometers provide deceleration information as they penetrate the soil of interest. The data from the two penetrometers, after analysis, can be used to assess soil strength as well as trafficability for the deployment of remotely-controlled vehicles, for example.

Abstract: A dual aerial-drop penetrometer system includes a high-velocity (>30 m/s) penetrometer aerial unit combined with a low-velocity (<10 m/s) penetrometer aerial unit. The primary penetrometer is formed as an outer shell having the secondary penetrometer received in telescoping fashion within, which is ejected by a spring ejection mechanism upon impact of the outer shell. Both penetrometers provide deceleration information as they penetrate the soil of interest. The data from the two penetrometers, after analysis, can be used to assess soil strength as well as trafficability for the deployment of remotely-controlled vehicles, for example.

Abstract: A light-weight electronically-controlled hammering module is used to apply a repetitive hammering force under electronic control to the top end of a dynamic cone penetrometer rod. In a preferred embodiment, the hammering module has a battery-powered percussive hammer that applies an electrically-generated impulse hammering force to the top of the rod. The depth of penetration is measured with a range-finder and used to compute the rate of penetration of the rod into the ground and correlated to the strength of the soil. The rate of hammering is controlled to cause the rod to penetrate into the soil at a controlled rate correlated with the strength of the soil.