Role of sample return and sample science in low cost missions

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Role of sample return and sample science in low cost missions

Stansbery, Eileen K. / Draper, David S.

Abstract Sample return is an essential component of solar system exploration. Samples provide a unique data set that is critical for understanding formation and evolution of our solar system. This uniqueness is based on the scale of observations, precision of measurements, the ability to modify experiments as logic and technology dictate, and the ability to use instruments free of the constraints on mass, power, reliability, and data rate of flight instruments. Advances in analytical capabilities in recent years enable fundamental measurements to be made on extremely small samples, greatly reducing mass constraints on robotic sample return spacecraft. Sample studies provide irreplaceable ground truth for remotely-sensed data on planetary surfaces and fit within a variety of architectures for human exploration of the solar system.

Highlights • Sample return as low cost planetary missions have high science return for the cost. • Not all science instruments fly, so are unconstrained by spacecraft considerations. • Samples are available for broad study, allowing results to be replicated. • Advances in analytical capabilities enable measurements on extremely small samples. • Sample studies provide context for remote sensing and in situ missions.