Scheme design and experiment validation of multiple sampling strategies on weak gravity asteroid
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Asteroids hold invaluable scientific information and provide critical insights into the origins and evolution of the solar system, highlighting the significance of asteroid sample-return missions. However, the diverse typology of these asteroids, limited understanding of their surface geology, and extremely weak gravity present substantial challenges, necessitating technologies with high geological adaptability, low reaction forces, and rapid sampling capabilities. In response, six novel and heterogeneous asteroid sampling schemes were developed and rigorously analyzed through comparative studies and test validation, focusing on adaptability, sampling time, reaction force, and sample volume. Results confirm that all six schemes enable rapid sampling under low reaction forces, meeting design objectives. Notably, the rock-breaking and gas-excitation hybrid and the positional kinetic energy-induced directional sampling technique demonstrate superior adaptability, simplicity, reliability, and repeatability, marking them as promising candidates for further research.
Source: Thermal Science
DOI: 10.2298/tsci2502351z
Authors: Zeng Zhao, Zhang He, Fu-Ming Zeng, Xiao-Ming Lai, Shen Yin, Ting Zeng, Qi-Chen Sun, De-Yun Liu, Qiang Li, Jia-Bo Zhang
Institution: Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $161
OpenAlex ID: W4410824229