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NASA NTRS1988

Deciphering Martian climatic history using returned samples

By necessity, a Mars sample return mission must sample the upper few meters of the Martian surface. This material was subjected to a wide variety of physical processes. Presently, the most important processes are believed to be wind-driven erosion and deposition, and water ice accumulation at higher latitudes. A sample return mission represents an opportunity to better understand and quantify these important geological processes. By obtaining sample cores at key locations, it may be possible to interpret much of recent Martian climatic history.

Paige, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Martian sample sites: Examples based on a global geologic perspective

Ten areas were selected that each include several rock units of varying lithology and age. These areas were chosen to optimize the geologic and chronologic data return from Mars. Geologic mapping and stratigraphic studies identify stratigraphic ages, rock types, and information on Martian geologic history that samples of a given site may yield. Volcanic rocks occur over much of the planet and in virtually all stratigraphic positions, and they are amenable to radioisotopic dating. Therefore, a reasonable and essential goal for a sample return mission is to return datable rocks from widely varying strata. Generally, about three or four major geologic units can be sampled at any of the given sites, most of which can probably be dated. The Mars Observer mission will aid greatly in interpreting lithology and defining contacts at the high resolution required to actually pinpoint good sample acquisition sites within these areas.

Scott, D. H.↗
NASA NTRS1988

U-Th-Pb, Sm-Nd, Rb-Sr, and Lu-Hf systematics of returned Mars samples

The advantage of studying returned planetary samples cannot be overstated. A wider range of analytical techniques with higher sensitivities and accuracies can be applied to returned samples. Measurement of U-Th-Pb, Sm-Nd, Rb-Sr, and Lu-Hf isotopic systematics for chronology and isotopic tracer studies of planetary specimens cannot be done in situ with desirable precision. Returned Mars samples will be examined using all the physical, chemical, and geologic methods necessary to gain information on the origin and evolution of Mars. A returned Martian sample would provide ample information regarding the accretionary and evolutionary history of the Martian planetary body and possibly other planets of our solar system.

Tatsumoto, M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Mineralogical and geochemical anomalous data of the K-T boundary samples

Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary problem has been discussed previously from the geological research, mainly by fossil changes. Although geochemical bulk data of Ir anomaly suggest the extraterrestrial origin of the K-T boundary, the exact formation process discussed mainly by mineralogical and geochemical study has been started recently, together with noble gas contents. The K-T boundary sample at Kawaruppu River, Hokkaido was collected, in order to compare with the typical K-T boundary samples of Bubbio, Italy, Stevns Klint, Denmark, and El Kef, Tunisia. The experimental data of the silicas and calcites in these K-T boundary samples were obtained from the X-ray unit-cell dimension (i.e., density), ESR signal and total linear absorption coefficient, as well as He and Ne contents. The K-T boundary samples are usually complex mixture of the terrestrial activities after the K-T boundary event. The mineralogical and geochemical anomalous data indicate special terrestrial atmosphere at the K-T boundary formation probably induced by asteroid impact, followed the many various terrestrial activities (especially the strong role of sea-water mixture, compared with terrestrial highland impact and impact craters in the other earth-type planetary bodies).

Miura, Y.↗
NASA NTRS1989

A core handling device for the Mars Sample Return Mission

A core handling device for use on Mars is being designed. To provide a context for the design study, it was assumed that a Mars Rover/Sample Return (MRSR) Mission would have the following characteristics: a year or more in length; visits by the rover to 50 or more sites; 100 or more meter-long cores being drilled by the rover; and the capability of returning about 5 kg of Mars regolith to Earth. These characteristics lead to the belief that in order to bring back a variegated set of samples that can address the range of scientific objetives for a MRSR mission to Mars there needs to be considerable analysis done on board the rover. Furthermore, the discrepancy between the amount of sample gathered and the amount to be returned suggests that there needs to be some method of choosing the optimal set of samples. This type of analysis will require pristine material-unaltered by the drilling process. Since the core drill thermally and mechanically alters the outer diameter (about 10 pct) of the core sample, this outer area cannot be used. The primary function of the core handling device is to extract subsamples from the core and to position these subsamples, and the core itself if needed, with respect to the various analytical instruments that can be used to perform these analyses.

Gwynne, Owen↗
NASA NTRS1987

Effect of control sampling rates on model-based manipulator control schemes

The effect of changing the control sampling period on the performance of the computed-torque and independent joint control schemes is discussed. While the former utilizes the complete dynamics model of the manipulator, the latter assumes a decoupled and linear model of the manipulator dynamics. Researchers discuss the design of controller gains for both the computed-torque and the independent joint control schemes and establish a framework for comparing their trajectory tracking performance. Experiments show that within each scheme the trajectory tracking accuracy varies slightly with the change of the sampling rate. However, at low sampling rates the computed-torque scheme outperforms the independent joint control scheme. Based on experimental results, researchers also conclusively establish the importance of high sampling rates as they result in an increased stiffness of the system.

Khosla, P. K.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Study of sampling systems for comets and Mars

Several aspects of the techniques that can be applied to acquisition and preservation of samples from Mars and a cometary nucleus were examined. Scientific approaches to sampling, grounded in proven engineering methods are the key to achieving the maximum science value from the sample return mission. If development of these approaches for collecting and preserving does not preceed mission definition, it is likely that only suboptimal techniques will be available because of the constraints of formal schedule timelines and the normal pressure to select only the most conservative and least sophisticated approaches when development has lagged the mission milestones. With a reasonable investment now, before the final mission definition, the sampling approach can become highly developed, ready for implementation, and mature enough to help set the requirements for the mission hardware and its performance.

Amundsen, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Mars sample collection and preservation

The intensive exploration of Mars is a major step in the systematic exploration of the solar system. Mars, earth, and Venus provide valuable contrasts in planetary evolution. Mars exploration has progressed through the stages of exploration and is now ready for a sample-return mission. About 5 kg of intelligently selected samples will be returned from Mars. A variety of samples are wanted. This requires accurate landing in areas of high interest, surface mobility and analytical capability, a variety of sampling tools, and stringent preservation and isolation measures.

Blanchard, Douglas P.↗
NASA NTRS1988

IRAS observations of an optically selected sample of interacting galaxies

IRAS observations of a large, morphologically selected sample of strongly interacting disk-type galaxies have demonstrated that galaxy-galaxy collisions can lead to enhanced infrared emission, but not in all cases. Infrared luminosities of the interacting galaxies span a large range, but are about a factor of 2 higher, on average, than those of isolated disk galaxies. The data suggest the existence of a cutoff in blue luminosity, below which no galaxies show markedly enhanced infrared emission. Only the most strongly interacting systems in the sample show extreme values of infrared excess, suggesting that deep, interpenetrating collisions are necessary to drive infrared emission to extreme levels. Comparisons with optical indicators of star formation show that infrared excess and color temperatures correlate with the level of star-formation activity in the interacting galaxies. All interacting galaxies in our sample that exhibit an infrared excess and have higher than normal color temperatures also have optical indicators of high levels of star formation. It is not necessary to invoke processes other than star formation to account for the enhanced infrared luminosity in this sample of interacting galaxies.

Bushouse, Howard A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Electrohydrodynamic distortion of sample streams in continuous flow electrophoresis

Continuous flow electrophoresis experiments were carried out, using an electrolyte and a sample both made of aqueous solutions of phosphate buffer (with polystyrene latex added for visibility), to investigate causes of the sample spreading in this procedure. It is shown theoretically that an electric field perpendicular to a circular filament of conducting fluid surrounded by a fluid of different conductivity produces an electrohydrodynamic flow, which distorts the filament into an ellipse. Experimental results were found to be fully consistent with theretical predictions. It was found that the rate of distortion of the sample stream into a ribbon was proportional to the square of the applied voltage gradient. Furthermore, the orientation of the ribbon depends on the ratios of dielectric constant and electrical conductivity between the buffer and the sample.

Rhodes, Percy H.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Workshop on Analysis of Returned Comet Nucleus Samples

This volume contains abstracts that were accepted by the Program Committee for presentation at the workshop on the analysis of returned comet nucleus samples held in Milpitas, California, January 16 to 18, 1989. The abstracts deal with the nature of cometary ices, cryogenic handling and sampling equipment, origin and composition of samples, and spectroscopic, thermal and chemical processing methods of cometary nuclei. Laboratory simulation experimental results on dust samples are reported. Some results obtained from Halley's comet are also included. Microanalytic techniques for examining trace elements of cometary particles, synchrotron x ray fluorescence and instrument neutron activation analysis (INAA), are presented.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1989

Candidate sample acquisition systems for the Rosetta

The Comet Nucleus Sample Return (CNSR) mission, one of the four cornerstones of the ESA scientific program, is one of the most complex space ventures within the next century, both from technological and deep space exploration point of view. In the Rosetta scenario the sample acquisition phase represents the most critical point for the global mission's success. The proposed paper illustrates the main results obtained in the context of the CNSR-SAS ongoing activity. The main areas covered are related to: (1) sample properties characterization (comet soil model, physical/chemical properties, reference material for testing); (2) concepts identification for coring, shovelling, harpooning and anchoring; (3) preferred concept (trade off among concepts, identification of the preferred configuration); and (4) proposed development activity for gaining the necessary confidence before finalizing the CNSR mission. Particular emphasis will be given to the robotic and flexibility aspects of the identified sample acquisition systems (SAS) configuration, intended as a means for the overall system performance enhancement.

Magnani, P. G.↗
NASA NTRS1990

International cooperation for Mars exploration and sample return

The National Research Council's Space Studies Board has previously recommended that the next major phase of Mars exploration for the United States involve detailed in situ investigations of the surface of Mars and the return to earth for laboratory analysis of selected Martian surface samples. More recently, the European space science community has expressed general interest in the concept of cooperative Mars exploration and sample return. The USSR has now announced plans for a program of Mars exploration incorporating international cooperation. If the opportunity becomes available to participate in Mars exploration, interest is likely to emerge on the part of a number of other countries, such as Japan and Canada. The Space Studies Board's Committee on Cooperative Mars Exploration and Sample Return was asked by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to examine and report on the question of how Mars sample return missions might best be structured for effective implementation by NASA along with international partners. The committee examined alternatives ranging from scientific missions in which the United States would take a substantial lead, with international participation playing only an ancillary role, to missions in which international cooperation would be a basic part of the approach, with the international partners taking on comparably large mission responsibilities. On the basis of scientific strategies developed earlier by the Space Studies Board, the committee considered the scientific and technical basis of such collaboration and the most mutually beneficial arrangements for constructing successful cooperative missions, particularly with the USSR.

Levy, Eugene H.↗
NASA NTRS1989

The dependence of the soft X ray spectral slope with radio property, luminosity, and redshift, for a large sample of AGN from the Einstein IPC data base

The dependence of the soft X-ray spectral slope on radio, optical and X-ray properties, and on redshift are reported for a large sample of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). The sample includes 317 optically and radio-selected AGN from a preliminary version of the Einstein Imaging Proportional Counter (IPC) quasar and AGN data base. The main results are: the difference in X-ray slope between radio-loud and radio-quiet AGN were confirmed for an independent and much larger sample of sources; a difference in X-ray slope between flat and steep radio spectrum AGN is observed only in high luminosity sub-sample; in flat radio spectrum AGNs there is an indication for a dependence of the X-ray spectral index on X-ray luminosity redshift and alpha sub 0x.

Brunner, H.↗
NASA NTRS1990

On the determination of iridium in diverse geological samples employing HPGe-coincidence/NaI(Tl)-anticoincidence spectrometry

This paper reports the Ir content of a variety of geological samples determined by the high-purity Ge-coincidence/NaI(Tl)-anticoincidence gamma-ray spectrometry (henceforth referred to as coincidence/anticoincidence technique) and by the conventional INAA. The advantages of this technique are: (1) the Ir content of the samples is obtained (ppm to a fraction of ppb ranges) not only by the 468.1 keV peak as in the conventional INAA but also by the 784.6 keV and 920.9 keV sum peaks, which gives more confidence in the values obtained; and (2) it is well suited for the samples with high Compton background for which it is difficult to measure the Ir content by the conventional INAA technique. The practical sensitivity of this technique depends on the sample matrix. Under present experimental conditions, it varied from 0.1 ng for Mn nodules and 0.004 ng for Libyan Desert Glass. Iridium values obtained on small (about 1 microg) olivine grains demonstrate the potential application of this new technique to microsamples. The principle and methodology of this new technique as well as its advantages and disadvantages over the conventional INAA are discussed.

Murali, A. V.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Ellipsometric study of metal samples

Exposed and unexposed (shielded) portions of the surfaces of six different metal samples (Al, Cu, Ni, Ta, W, and Zr) that had been mounted on LDEF were studied by variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry. The change in the optical constants of the metals caused by exposure to the space environment was measured. The measured optical constants reflect changes in the morphology and stoichiometry of a surface layer to a depth of this order of magnitude. For all the samples examined in this manner the exposed and unexposed portions exhibited dramatically different optical properties. In order to determine whether the observed changes were caused by the impact of oxygen atoms encountered in flight an experiment was set up in which samples identical to the original metal samples are exposed to a low-energy oxygen plasma in a microwave discharge chamber. Results of this experiment are reported, as well as an analysis of the observed data in terms of surface layers of different composition.

Franzen, W.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Study of activation of metal samples from LDEF-1 and Spacelab-2

The activation of metal samples and other material orbited onboard the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) and Spacelab-2 were studied. Measurements of the radioactivities of spacecraft materials were made, and corrections for self-absorption and efficiency were calculated. Activation cross sections for specific metal samples were updated while cross sections for other materials were tabulated from the scientific literature. Activation cross sections for 200 MeV neutrons were experimentally determined. Linear absorption coefficients, half lives, branching ratios and other pertinent technical data needed for LDEF sample analyses were tabulated. The status of the sample counting at low background facilities at national laboratories is reported.

Laird, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Continuous monitoring of a changing sample by multiplex gas chromatography

Results are presented from a study in which a continuously changed gaseous sample was monitored by multiplex gas chromatography (MGC), using the exponential dilution (ED) technique of Ritter and Adams (1976) to change the composition and concentration of a gaseous mixture in such a way as to imitate changes in the atmospheric gases sampled by a descending aircraft. A calibration of the MGC system was performed with four different rates of sample dilution, and the errors resulting from various degrees of change in the sample concentration were determined.

Valentin, Jose R.↗