Miniature Sample Collection and Delivery System using Gas-Entrained Powder Transport, Phase I

We propose to develop a miniature system for acquisition and delivery of solid samples to landed planetary instruments. This system would entrain powder produced by drilling in atmospheric gas. The powder / gas mixture would be transported to a sample chamber, where the powder would sedimented out. The key innovations of this system are: - The sample collector doubles as a sample holder for delivery to on-board instrumentation. This reduces the risk of cross-contamination. - The small size and power requirements of the complete system would make powdered sample collection available to smaller planetary missions.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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