Deep drill (DeeDri) for Mars application

• Published in: Planetary and space science 2004, Vol.52 (1), p.79-82
• Main Authors: Magnani, P.G., Re, E., Ylikorpi, T., Cherubini, G., Olivieri, A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Drill; Multi-rod; Penetration depth; Sample; Single-rod
• ISSN: 0032-0633; 1873-5088
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pss.2003.08.023

Deep drilling on Mars can provide soil samples taken from depth which are of great scientific interest for analysis by the instrumentation present on-board a mission vehicle. The key to a successful sample collection and delivery is the development of a performing and reliable drill tool with sample collection capabilities, properly integrated in a complete drilling system. Within this context, Galileo Avionica is involved in the design and development of drilling systems, including hardware prototyping and testing, suitable to operate in planetary and cometary environments. Several prototypes of drilling tools have been designed, manufactured and tested and new concepts are in the development pipeline. The testing so far performed indicate the feasibility of drill tools suitable to operate in very different types of soil and capable to reliably collect, recover and distribute samples to the possible scientific instrumentation. The preliminary design of integrated drill systems, both employing a single drill tool or multiple rod assembled during operation, shows their ability to achieve performances in line with the resources allowed by a Mars vehicle. This paper summarises the major developments being performed in this respect by Galileo Avionica with particular reference to the on going DeeDri (Deep Drill) program under ASI contract [1].