Flux Pinning Concepts for On-orbit Capture and Orientation of an MSR Orbiting Sample Container Paulo Younse, Laura Jones-Wilson, Eric Olds, Violet Malyan William Jones-Wilson, Ian McKinley, Sierra Lobo, Inc. Edward Gonzales, Boyan Kartolov, Pasadena, CA 91107 USA Dima Kogan, Chi Yeung Chiu
[email protected] Jet Propulsion Laboratory California Institute of Technology Pasadena, CA 91109 USA
[email protected] Abstract—Concepts for on-orbit capture and orientation of a geometry, superconductor geometry, superconductor training Mars orbiting sample container (OS) using flux pinning were geometry, superconductor temperature, superconductor developed as candidate technologies for potential Mars Sample material properties, and magnetic field shape, and output Return (MSR). The systems consist of a set of type-II forces and torques the superconductors imparts on the OS via superconductors field cooled below their critical temperature the magnets. Magnetic models of the OS were developed to using a cryocooler, and operate on an orbiting sample evaluate magnetic shield effectiveness and demonstrate container with a series of permanent magnets spaced around successful shielding of the sample. A vision system using the exterior, along with an integrated layer of shielding to AprilTag fiducials was used on a free-floating OS in a preserve the magnetic properties of the returned samples. microgravity environment to estimate relative OS position and Benefits of the approaches include passive, non-contact capture orientation while in motion. Integrated Capture, Containment, and orientation, as well as a reduction in the number of and Return System (CCRS) Capture and Orient Module actuators relative to various mechanical methods. System (COM) payload concepts for an Earth Return Orbiter (ERO) prototypes were developed, characterized, and tested in a using flux pinning were proposed and assessed based on microgravity environment to demonstrate feasibility.