Abstract:

An orbiting sample capture and orientation system architecture for the orbiting sample capture retrieve system concept is developed to enable on-orbit capture，orientation，and transfer of a Mars sample container into a containment vessel as part of a potential Mars sample return（MSR） campaign.The concept uses a rotating trap cover for orbiting sample （OS） capture，and four sector devices to form a retractable capture space for constraining and fixing OS container.The conveyor belts on the sector devices drive cooperatively with each other to realize OS container attitude correction and to transfer to a containment vessel with friction force and protruding bars acting on the OS container.In order to accurately realize sample orientation and transfer，a coordinated action strategy between the sector devices and the conveyor belts is formulated based on the sector angle signals.A prototype of OS capture and orientation mechanism is designed and developed，and the functions of OS capture，orientation and transfer are tested and verified.The mechanism has the characteristics of light weight（<12kg），high integration of orientation and transfer functions，strong adaptability of OS container attitude correction，and high transfer reliability，and can be applied to potential Mars sample return mission.

Key words:

Mars sample return（MSR）, orbiting sample（OS）, Mars sample container, orbiting sample capture and orientation, orbiting sample transfer, capture initial conditions