Sample Acquisition from Hypothesized Surfaces – Shakin’ Up Psyche

INSTITUTION

Pennsylvania State University – Behrend (PSU-B)

CLASS

Platinum Class (2025 – 2026)

STUDENT TEAM

ACADEMIC GUIDANCE

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project presents the design of a sample acquisition device for a potential future mission to 16 Psyche. The work focuses only on the acquisition system: a mechanism that can collect and securely store surface samples in an extreme space environment. The final design uses a piezoelectrically actuated drill on a robotic arm to core surface material. Hollow coring bits retain the sample inside the bit, reducing handling and lowering the risk of loss or contamination. Each bit attaches electromagnetically to the drill for simple exchange, then is placed into an individual storage compartment. Upper and lower grommets hold drill bits securely, protect collected samples, and reduce dust intrusion. Structural and fatigue analyses showed that the design can withstand expected loading and vibration while maintaining sample security. Overall, the system provides a compact and practical solution for sample acquisition and storage on 16 Psyche.

This work was created in partial fulfillment of the Pennsylvania State University – Behrend Capstone Course “ME 448/9.” The work is a result of the Psyche Student Collaborations component of NASA’s Psyche Mission (https://psyche.ssl.berkeley.edu). “Psyche: A Journey to a Metal World” [Contract number NNM16AA09C] is part of the NASA Discovery Program mission to solar system targets. Trade names and trademarks of ASU and NASA are used in this work for identification only. Their usage does not constitute an official endorsement, either expressed or implied, by Arizona State University or National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of ASU or NASA.