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Completed TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 2)
A drilling system is proposed, along with the outline of a potential mission architecture. The mission would utilize a Perseverance-type rover as a “drill rig” with minimal but appropriate science instruments, and a drilling strategy that has a high level of redundancy. The drilling strategy does not rely on cables; instead, it utilizes a self-contained mechanical system to drive up and down the borehole autonomously. These robots are nicknamed “borebots.” The drill rig rover would weigh less than the Perseverance rover, with a substantial portion of the weight being allocated to spare parts for the borebots. The borebots could be deployed from a tube moved into place by simple linear actuators on the rover deck and can begin drilling while “driving” into the borehole. Locomotion is achieved using a rubber “tank track” system that presses against the sides of the borehole. Approximately 150mm to 175mm of depth will be bored by a single borebot, and then the ice core is parted off and carried to the surface by driving up the borehole. A lightweight robotic arm is used to remove the borebot from the borehole. Once out of the way, the next borebot would be deployed via the deployment tube. The robotic arm then moves the extracted borebot into one of the service bays in the side of the rover for core removal, charging, and automated servicing. 12 to 16 borebots could be housed in these honeycomb-esque service bays. Shorter bays near the rear of the rover can house extra coring bits of various types and other major components that are carried as spares. It is proposed to drill 20 to 50 meters deep in the SPLD using the Perseverance-type rover/borebots mission architecture. The rover should be nuclear powered, like Perseverance. If 20m to 50m depth is achieved (perhaps on a 90-day mission), an extended mission could aspire for the goal of 1.5km. This study will evaluate concept feasibility, the range of possible borehole travel speeds, strategies to preserve sample integrity, and the science instrumentation relevant to ice core analysis.
Proposing ten-fold increase over state of the art which is currently: 2m Rosalind Frankling Rover and 5m for the Insight Lander HP3. Provides a concept for expanding drilling capabilities, with specific advantages that multiply as depth increases and gravitational field strength decreases. Performing the study now allows a pathway for the TRL to mature in time for next-decade missions.
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