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Lunar Deep Drill ApparatusProposed as a baseline configuration, this rotary drill apparatus is designed to produce 100-mm diameter holes in the lunar surface at depths up to 50 meters. The drill is intended to acquire samples for scientific analysis, mineral resource location, calibration of electronic exploration devices, and foundation analysis at construction sites. It is also intended to prepare holes for emplacement of scientific instruments, the setting of structural anchors, and explosive methods in excavation and mining activities. Defined as a deep drill because of the modular drill string, it incorporates an automatic rod changer. The apparatus is teleoperated from a remote location, such as earth, utilizing supervisory control techniques. It is thus suitable for unmanned and man-tended operation.

Proven terrestrial drilling technology is used to the extent it is compatible with the lunar environment. Augers and drive tubes form holes in the regolith and may be used to acquire loose samples. An inertial cutting removal system operates intermittently while rock core drilling is in progress.

The apparatus is carried to the work site by a three-legged mobile platform which also provides a 2-meter feed along the hole centerline, an off-hole movement of approximately .5 meters, an angular alignment of up to 20 deg. from gravity vertical, and other dexterity required in handling rods and samples. The technology can also be applied using other carriers which incorporate similar motion capabilities. The apparatus also includes storage racks for augers, rods, and ancillary devices such as the foot-plate that holds the down-hole tooling during rod changing operations.
Document ID
19940004521
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Georgia Institute of Technology
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
June 12, 1989
Publication Information
Publication: Proceedings of the 5th Annual Summer Conference: NASA/USRA University Advanced Design Program
Publisher: Proceedings of the 5th Annual Summer Conference: NASA/USRA University Advanced Design Program
Volume: NASA-CR-193012
Issue Publication Date: June 12, 1989
Subject Category
Mechanical Engineering
Report/Patent Number
NASA-CR-193012
Meeting Information
Meeting: 5th Annual Summer Conference
Location: Huntsville, AL
Country: US
Start Date: June 12, 1989
End Date: June 16, 1989
Sponsors: American Institute Aeronautics and Astronautics, Marshall Space Flight Center
Accession Number
94N71276
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Portions of document may include copyright protected material.
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