Crushing Station
Date: 03 July 2013
Satellite: ExoMars 2018
Copyright: Kayser-Threde GmbH
In the upper part of the image is the engineering prototype, or 'breadboard' of the Crushing Station (CS) component of the ExoMars rover Sample Preparation and Distribution System (SPDS), which will form part of the Analytical Laboratory Drawer (ALD).
In the centre of the image, the Powder Sample Dosing and Distribution System (PSDDS) is visible. The PSDDS rotates about its support cylinder to collect samples from the CS and deliver them to the Powdered Sample Handling System (PSHS) (bottom left). The PSHS is a carousel that will move the samples to various stations for processing and analysis.
The test system is fitted with a number of cameras, each with an LED lighting system, to monitor the movements of the mechanisms and view the sample as it moves through the SPDS.
