High frequency vibration and high gravity force shock testing for potential Mars Sample Return

The current concept for a potential Mars Sample Return (MSR) campaign includes a series of missions that could drill, package, and return Mars rock cores to Earth through four sequential flight missions. A combination of structural stability, migration, force, hardware testing and analysis were employed to determine elements within the potential MSR campaign that could alter the mechanical integrity of Mars rock cores during transport to Earth. Therefore, Mars simulant rock cores, such as Bishop Tuff and China Ranch Massive Gypsum, were drilled to create samples for survivability tests to simulate the high frequency vibrations of a Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) and high gravity force shock of the Earth Entry Vehicle (EEV) that would be expected during MSR. Prototype hardware was designed and fabricated to accommodate the cores desired for vibration and shock testing. Proto-flight (PF) and flight acceptance (FA) vibration levels were established for both solid and liquid MAV fuel types. Drilling methods were investigated to produce both pristine and fractured cores. Elements such as core orientation, amount of ullage (headspace), and clamshell position were tested to better understand the causes and amount of fracturing throughout these flight-like environments.