Powdered Sample Handling System
Date: 03 July 2013
Satellite: ExoMars 2018
Copyright: Kayser-Threde GmbH
Engineering prototype, or 'breadboard' of the Powdered Sample Handling System (PSHS) component of the ExoMars rover Sample Preparation and Distribution System (SPDS), which will form part of the Analytical Laboratory Drawer (ALD).
The PSHS is a carousel that will move the samples to various stations for processing and analysis. One station will be equipped with a fixed 'scraper', the Powder Sample Flattening Mechanism, which will level the surface of the powdered sample in the Refillable Container. Another station will house the Refillable Container Cleaning Mechanism, while further stations will have instruments to examine the surface of the samples and pyrolysis ovens to feed the Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer of the Mars Organics Molecule Analyser (MOMA GC-MS).
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.
