Survey, Evaluation, and Advancement of Sample Sensing Techniques for Future Missions

Abstract

Honeybee Robotics (HBR) and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) have performed an extensive trade study of thirty-four approaches to sample detection, mass, and volume measurement to inform sampling system architectures for future missions. Seven concepts were prototyped and tested; two were selected for further development. This paper details the methods and findings of the study, the new sample sensing technology developed, and its application to future missions.