Design Challenge Is there life on Mars?

Mission Objectives 1) Acquire soil sample from hard ground. 2) Introduce soil into test environment. 3) Analyze soil for signs of life. 4) Record transmittable data.

Mission Objective #1: Acquire Soil Sample from Hard Ground 1) Hollow spikes at the base of the module. 2) Graters built into module walls. 3) Using the landing impact to loosen ground.

Mission Objective #1: Acquire Soil Sample from Hard Ground Spikes Grates

Mission Objective #2: Introduce Soil Into Test Environment  Introduce soil into test environment.  Vacuum debris from tubes or grates.  Flexible auger spring draws debris in.

Mission Objective #2: Introduce Soil Into Test Environment Auger Vacuum

Mission Objective #3: Analyze Soil for Signs of Life 1) Using indicator chemicals. 2) Using electronic sensors. 3) To detect gases, color changes, or pH differences.

Mission Objective #3: Analyze Soil for Signs of Life

Mission Objective #4: Record Transmittable Data 1) Store readings digitally. 2) Use a Lego rcx controller as a data logger 3) Use a digital camera.

Mission Objective #4: Record Transmittable Data  DCP LEGO sensor adapter allows standard sensors to be used with LEGO RCX.  Advantage: if already using RCX a controller, avoid added weight and complexity of separate data logger.

Design Objectives 1) Weighs under (< 2 kg). 2) Maintain temperature. 3) Protect components from condensation. 4) Survive impact. 5) Work without human intervention. 6) Testing prior to launch.

Design Objective #1: Not Too Heavy (< 2 kg) 1) Use extruded polystyrene. 2) Incorporate items that supplement each other. 3) Use only enough lithium batteries as needed.

Design Objective #2: Maintain Temperature 1) Use spray foam insulation. 2) Use sodium acetate heat pack. 3) Paint black.

Design Objective #2: Maintain Temperature Typical sodium acetate pack

Design Objective #3: Protect from Condensation 1) Apply an epoxy coating. 2) Spray foam insulation. 3) Keep warm enough to prevent condensation.

Design Objective #4: Survive Impact 1) Use mastic foil tape. 2) Use separate compartments for snug fit. 3) Make mold for circuitry from spray foam insulation. 4) Shock mount heavy components. 5) Use non-volatile memory.

Design Objective #5: No Human Intervention 1) Use Lego rcx controller. 2) Use non-volatile memory. 3) Power management programming. 4) Use a Palm Pilot to transmit data.

Design Objective #6: Test Prior to Launch  Toss from a 2 – 3 story building.  Dry run of mechanism that gets the soil.  Dry run of experiments that test for life using local soil.  Test for tolerance to cold and condensation.

Design Objective #6: Test Prior to Launch 1) Test how long warmers stay warm. 2) Test components in a vacuum chamber. 3) Test, then flip over and test again.

The End