MOLE PENETRATOR DRIVEN BY AN ELECTROMAGNETIC DIRECT DRIVE (EMOLE)

This paper presents a new generation of mole type penetrators driven by an electromagnetic direct drive. EMOLE is a low-speed penetrator capable of underground mobility within regolith carrying scientific instruments (such as sampling tools or thermal sensors) in planetary missions, where Mars and the Moon are the mostly foreseen destinations. EMOLE combines new ideas and earlier achievements, both of which had influence on the concept and would demonstrate the technology. In consequence, a laboratory model device was successively developed. Its principle of operation is based on the interaction of the three masses of the device between which the energy exchange is performed and, as a result, a hammering action is achieved. The major novelty of the EMOLE concept is twofold – the penetrator’s drive will be much more reliable in comparison to the spring driven moles, and its new drive system will be fit to have power settings.