A Novel Sample Manipulation Device (SMD) for Lunar Regolith Volatile In-Situ Exploration: Method and Validation

Extraction and analysis of volatile substances in lunar regoilth is an important means to reveal the formation of the Earth-moon system and explore lunar resources. At present, volatile matter loss will be caused by shock vibration and pressure change of returned samples, so volatile matter needs to be prepared in situ on the lunar surface. In order to accurately measure the contents of volatile matter in lunar regoilth, it is necessary to collect samples with constant volume and quantity. In view of the above problems, this paper designed a sample manipulation device for quantitative detection, sample transfer and volatile preparation of lunar regoilth. The device carries 12 sample tubes through the gear disc to realize double station sample transfer. Seal requirements during sample reception and heating are achieved by lifting the rack. The test shows that the device can accurately measure the sample volume, the sample transfer time is 76.67s, and the thrust into the furnace is more than 150N, which meets the requirements of sample processing time and sealing. The device has a certain enlightening effect on the subsequent lunar exploration project.