The early approach was a single container with up to 30+ individual sample tubes. Then they discussed the possibility of dropping out the sample tubes perhaps in groups of three along the rover track. The current approach involves up to three collected caches--three containers of approximately 10 tubes apiece--deposited to a single site located between two collection areas.We now return to hyperbolic speculation about Red Dragon.
Due to the complexity of sample return, you're not going to see that on Red Dragon 2018. Maybe later flights.
...2-That's not the current sample collection system. The early approach was a single container with up to 30+ individual sample tubes. Then they discussed the possibility of dropping out the sample tubes perhaps in groups of three along the rover track. The current approach involves up to three collected caches--three containers of approximately 10 tubes apiece--deposited to a single site located between two collection areas.
Maybe this isn't the right thread to ask this but why is sample return considered so high value? It seems now that wait a few more years and you will have samples in the tonne range if you want them.
Quote from: Lar on 04/30/2016 11:56 pmMaybe this isn't the right thread to ask this but why is sample return considered so high value? It seems now that wait a few more years and you will have samples in the tonne range if you want them.That's like saying we shouldn't invest in solar because fusion is just around the corner.
Maybe this isn't the right thread to ask this but why is sample return considered so high value? It seems now that wait a few more years and you will have samples in the tonne range if you want them.(I totally agree that 2018 is not at all about sample return)
Quote from: Lar on 04/30/2016 11:56 pmMaybe this isn't the right thread to ask this but why is sample return considered so high value? It seems now that wait a few more years and you will have samples in the tonne range if you want them.Read the planetary science decadal survey for the justification for sample return.Only fan boys believe that we'll have "samples in the tonne range" anytime soon.
That's not the current sample collection system. The early approach was a single container with up to 30+ individual sample tubes. Then they discussed the possibility of dropping out the sample tubes perhaps in groups of three along the rover track. The current approach involves up to three collected caches--three containers of approximately 10 tubes apiece--deposited to a single site located between two collection areas.
A few kilograms from Mars would be ample, although the more the better.
Quote from: Blackstar on 05/01/2016 01:58 amQuote from: Lar on 04/30/2016 11:56 pmMaybe this isn't the right thread to ask this but why is sample return considered so high value? It seems now that wait a few more years and you will have samples in the tonne range if you want them.Read the planetary science decadal survey for the justification for sample return.Only fan boys believe that we'll have "samples in the tonne range" anytime soon.I'll cop to fan boy, and gladly[1]. but to a layman it's hard to see how the low mass returned is still worth it. But, If the decadal survey says so, fine. I've found it rather unprofitable/foolish/stupid to argue against that. So great. This tech can do the job, so use it. After the first mission(s).I think our definitions of "any time soon" may differ. 20 years out I think it's a better than even chance we will have that capability.. But then I'm a believer in MCT. It is so wild to contemplate that it requires faith, I acknowledge that. But it's looking better all the time...
Also, there's a contamination concern. A completely robotic sample return could be more easily and more thoroughly sterilized. This would mean that if life is found, there'd be much less question about veracity.