High velocity penetrators used a potential means for attaining core sample for airless solar system objects

Abstract Sample return missions offer a greater science yield when compared to missions that only employ in situ or remote sensing observations. Such missions have high ΔV requirements, and the return yields to date have been typically only of a few grams for robotic missions. Planetary penetrators offer an alternative that significantly reduce a mission's ΔV, increase sample yields, and allow for the collection of subsurface materials. The following details the design, development, and testing of penetrator/sampler technology capable of surviving supersonic impact velocities that would enable the collection of a solid core of geologic materials, without the need for any drilling equipment,,thereby reducing the overall mass and propellant budget. It is shown through both modeling and field testing that penetrators at speeds between 300 and 600 m/s (~Mach 1–2) can penetrate into the ground to depths of 1–2 m with overall structural integrity maintained. The first flight tests demonstrated the potential for survivability at these speeds. The second flight series demonstrated core sample collection with partial ejection of the sample return canister. The 3rd flight series demonstrated self-ejection of the sample return system fully intact and with the core retaining the full stratigraphy of the rock bed. The recovered sample also shows the survivability of macro-organic structures. Possible mechanisms for the recovery of the ejected core sample are also discussed.