An Overview of the Mars Science Laboratory Sample Acquisition, Sample Processing, and Handling Subsystem

The Sample Acquisition/Sample Processing and Handling subsystem for the Mars Science Laboratory is a rover-based sampling system scheduled to launch in 2011. The sampling system consists of a powdering drill and a scooping, sieving, and portioning device mounted on a turret at the end of a robotic arm. The turret also contains a dust removal tool for clearing the surface of rocks prior to science observations, and two scientific instruments mounted on vibration isolators. Using its drill, the system acquires powder from depths of 20 to 50 mm in a wide variety of rocks from very soft rocks such as kaolinite to basalts with compressive strengths up to 230 MPa. The system also picks up loose soil with its scoop. Sample acquired by either method is sieved, portioned, and delivered to two instruments inside the rover for analysis. Multiple portions of 45 to 65 mm³ are created from a sample sieved to contain only sub-150 micron particles. A single portion of 45 to 130 mm³ is created from a sample sieved to contain only sub-1 mm particles. The sampling system operates in the cold temperature, low pressure, and reduced gravity environment of Mars for the primary mission duration of one Martian year.