Engineering topics
Adams, Grayson
Publications and source records attributed to Adams, Grayson.
CITADEL: an icy worlds simulation testbed
Icy Worlds present an exciting target for in-situ sample acquisition and analysis of surface samples for their potential to contain conditions necessary to support life. The unknown surface composition and topography of icy worlds present a challenging environment for which to develop effective sampling systems. Testing such sampling systems in a relevant environment is a critical part of validating and refining their design. We have developed the Cryogenic Ice Testing, Acquisition Development, and Excavation Laboratory (CITADEL) to enable sample acquisition and handling operations in an icy world or primitive body representative environment of <70K and 10-5 Pa.
BiBlade Sampling Tool Validation for Comet Surface Environments
The BiBlade sampling chain was developed for use in a potential Comet Surface Sample Return mission. Following prior versions of the sampling tool, a new tool was developed and validated to TRL 6. Sample acquisition testing was performed across a range of comet simulants and operational conditions. Tool operation was validated in a thermal-vacuum chamber. The end-to-end sampling chain was validated including sampling, sample measurement, and sample transfer. The sampling system is now ready for flight implementation.