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

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.