Concept for an On-orbit Capture and Orient Module for Potential Mars Sample Return

An orbiting sample Capture and Orient Module (COM) architecture for a Capture, Contain, and Return System (CCRS) payload concept for an Earth Return Orbiter (ERO) was developed to enable on-orbit capture, orientation, and transfer of a Mars sample container into a containment vessel for potential Mars Sample Return (MSR). The module is composed of a Capture Mechanism for containing the Orbiting Sample (OS), a Capture Cone to capture and contain the OS, an Orientation Mechanism to orient the OS, a Transfer Mechanism to cage the OS during capture and assemble it into a containment vessel, a Capture Trigger to trigger Capture Mechanism and Transfer Mechanism closure during OS capture, and a Sensor System to inspect the OS and confirm capture and orientation. Statistical modeling and simulations of the OS during capture were performed to analyze the time to contact and perturbations to the spacecraft following first contact. Full-scale and half-scale functional prototypes were developed to demonstrate end-to-end operations.