Lately, a Mars Aero-flyby Sample Collection (MASC) mission has been proposed at Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). For the purpose of improving the feasibility of MASC, the development of a sampling system during flying in the Martian dusty atmosphere and the optimization of its system for sampling conditions are crucial. In this work, we have developed aerogel sample collector laboratory models using silica and carbon aerogels as well as a sample extraction and analysis system for particles smaller than 10 μm. The performance of these sample collector models has been investigated by carrying out arcjet heating and light-gas-gun experiments. In consequence, the superiority of the carbon aerogel against heating compared to silica aerogel has been validated. Also, estimated Martian dust particles were successfully captured by the sample collectors, and the particle extraction system has been demonstrated for 5 μm-class samples.
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