System study and design of a multi-probe mission for planetary in-situ analysis

Planetology has gained an overall picture of most surfaces of solar system bodies through observation satellites and robotic landers. However a novel method for the exploration of extraterrestrial surfaces is needed to complete remote measurements. Miniaturized surface penetrators are a promising concept to fill the gap between remote observations and in-situ measurements.;This work investigates the feasibility of the deployment of a large number of analysis instruments, integrated into high-velocity penetrators. The objective was to develop a mission strategy and architecture for a multi-microprobe planetary exploration system.;To determine the quantity of probes needed, a landing site decision support system was developed. The system uses a method to calculate the uncertainty in geochemical datasets in order to identify locations for penetrator deployment. This methodology was applied on data of the lunar surface: The identification of ISRU elements in the lunar soil is one of the highest objectives in the future attempts to return to the Moon. Thirty-one locations on the Moon are identified that can be used to perform ground control checks of the abundance of these elements. The ultimate goal of such a mission would be to develop a model of the surface abundances of elements that span the overall lunar surface.;A miniaturized high-velocity penetrator concept is developed. Different carrier structures were analyzed through empirical formula and hydrocode simulations in LS-DYNA. The goal of this investigation was to evaluate the ruggedness of the carrier shell, evaluate the penetration depth and its impact behavior. A soil model of the lunar soil had to be developed to perform the numerical analysis. The result of this work was a modified penetrator design which is better suited to geochemical surface analysis.;Different sampling strategies fir high-velocity penetrators are reviewed and novel methods suggested. Based on a technological analysis a sampling system that works like a vibrating conveyor was designed. The efficiency of the system is evaluated analytically. The work concludes with a design of a high-velocity penetrator for geochemical analysis that can be deployed in large numbers on the surface of extraterrestrial surfaces.