Using Paraffin PCM, Cryogel and TEC to Maintain Comet Surface Sample Cold from Earth Approach Through Retrieval
OMETS are frozen chunks of ice and dust left over from our solar system's formation. Scientists want a closer look at them for clues to the origin of planets. A Comet Surface Sample Return mission is to obtain a sample from the surface of the nucleus of a comet, hermetically seal the sample within a capsule, return the sealed sample to an orbiting spacecraft, and return the sample to Earth for analysis in the laboratory. A rotating comet travels through the inner solar system at up to 241,000 km per hour and spews chunks of ice, rock and dust. NASA has been developing a comet harpoon for sample return. The concept is to avoid the risk of landing on the comet, but to grab a sample. Researchers want to send a spacecraft to rendezvous with a comet, then fire a harpoon to obtain samples rapidly from specific locations while hovering above the target. This technique allows sample collection even from surfaces that are too rugged or risky to allow landing and safe operation of a spacecraft. Fig. 1 shows an artist's concept of a comet harpoon embedded in a comet.