Research Tasks

The goal of the Mars Sample Transfer Testbed task is the development of a sample cache transfer system that will be used to demonstrate and validate architectures and key technologies relevant to the in-situ transfer of a sample cache from the proposed Mars 2020 rover to a notional Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) while on the surface of Mars. This includes defining the driving system-level requirements and interfaces, developing the sample transfer chain architectures, and identifying the high-risk elements or technology holes within the sample transfer chain. Additionally, this effort will provide implementation of a hardware and software testbed for the sample transfer chain.