Drill tool engineering model
Date: 01 May 2011
Depicts: The drill breadboard tested in Mars-like conditions
Location: Centre of Space Studies and Activities, University of Padova, Italy
Copyright: Selex Galileo
This photograph, which shows the drill tool engineering model and the drill unit breadboard, was taken during a series of drilling and sampling tests performed at the Centre of Space Studies and Activities (CISAS) of the University of Padova, Italy, in May-June 2011.
The objective of these tests was to evaluate and characterise the performance of the system in Mars-like conditions. The drill system has been operated successfully in low temperature (-90oC - -40oC), low pressure (approx. 10 mbar), and CO2 atmosphere, using diverse reference materials (sandstone, clay stone etc.), including porous rocks that contained iced-elements.
Scientists are working towards identifying additional reference material to further evaluate the drill in potential operating conditions at Mars.