Drilling and Sampling on Mars: Concept Design and Verification

The upcoming Chinese Mars sample return mission is projected to acquire Martian subsurface samples at depths reaching 2 meters through drilling techniques, representing the first endeavor of its kind. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of Martian deep drilling and sampling tasks was conducted, with engineering bottlenecks in subsurface excavation systematically identified. Design criteria for the drilling system were formulated according to mission requirements, leading to the proposition of a drilling and stationary sampling device prototype capable of core sampling up to 2-meter depth. A dedicated drilling testbed was constructed, where verification experiments were performed using JLU Mars series soil/rock simulants. Operational parameters, drill bit geometries, and operational strategies were examined and optimized, with successful validation of the 2-meter drilling capability. The findings demonstrate the technical feasibility of the proposed solution, providing valuable insights for China's future Mars sample return mission.