Report on Conceptual Systems Analysis of Drilling Systems for 200-m-DepthPenetration and Sampling of the Martian Subsurface

摘要

A conceptual systems analysis study was performed to identify critical issues andassess the best technologies for accessing and sampling the Martian subsurface to a depth of 200 m.To illustrate what a credible system might look like for this mission, three example systems SYSTEMS were constructed from the analysis combining the best subsystems for rock comminution, drill-hole conveyance of subassemblies, drill-cuttings transport and disposal, well bore stabilization, power transmission from surface to hole bottom, and thermal management. Familiar cuttings transport methods are inefficient and possibly ineffective at shallow, near-vacuum wellbore pressure. Therefore, continuous coring was found to be feasible and probably the most efficient method to remove material from the bore, and so all samples were assumed to be of this form. The example systems are described conceptually and total system estimates for mass and power are given. We conclude that the assumed mass and power mission constraints are feasible. The analysis concludes with recommendations for subsystem research and prototype demonstrations that must be performed before any detailed mission design can be undertaken.