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Planning considerations for a Mars Sample Receiving Facility: summary and interpretation of three design studies
David W Beaty1, Carlton C Allen, Deborah S Bass
1Mars Program Office, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91109-8099, USA.
Astrobiology
|October 23, 2009
Summary
A Mars Sample Return mission requires a Sample Receiving Facility (SRF) for sample containment and testing. Design studies revealed commonalities but also significant differences in human-system interaction for SRF implementation.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Astrobiology
- Space Mission Design
Background:
- A Sample Receiving Facility (SRF) is crucial for Mars Sample Return missions.
- SRFs ensure containment and contamination control of extraterrestrial samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the attributes of a Sample Receiving Facility (SRF).
- To establish the scope, size, functionality, budget, and schedule for an SRF.
Main Methods:
- Conducted an analysis of SRF attributes.
- Commissioned three independent architectural design studies.
- Compared the results of the design studies.
Main Results:
- Identified common design elements across all studies.
- Highlighted significant differences in human-operator interaction with SRF systems.
- Provided insights into SRF attributes and programmatic planning factors.
Conclusions:
- The general concept of an SRF is understood, but implementation planning requires careful consideration.
- Design studies offer valuable data for future SRF development and programmatic planning.
- Human-system interaction is a key area requiring further definition in SRF design.
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