Novel Heat Flow Probe Design and Deployment

We propose to develop a novel method for deploying heat flow sensors/heaters in a hole and also a novel approach to subsurface access using a percussive method. The sensor deployment concept consists of a deployable string of thermal sensors/heaters initially housed inside a hollow probe. As envisioned, the deployable sensor string would consist of thermal sensors/heaters mounted to small spring-like structures of low thermal inertia fastened to a tether at appropriate intervals. The probe assembly is driven into the subsurface using a percussive (high frequency low impact) actuator. Upon reaching depth, the cone mounted at the end of the tube would separate from penetrometer and left behind as an anchor for the sensor string. The sensor string would then be deployed from the tube as the tube is retracted from the hole. The proposed method offers many advantages including: • Optimum thermal isolation between consecutive heat flow sensors (RTD`s) • Thermal isolation between sensors and a lander platform/deployment system, • Direct contact between the sensors and regolith, • Percussive deployment method that does not rely extensively on lander mass • All the electrical connectors will be established prior to the launch