초록 ▼

An integrated sample return capsule for use in returning materials to Earth from space, such as core samples from other celestial bodies and experiments from orbiting platforms. The sample return capsule incorporates thermal protection, structural integrity and impact mitigation into a single system

An integrated sample return capsule for use in returning materials to Earth from space, such as core samples from other celestial bodies and experiments from orbiting platforms. The sample return capsule incorporates thermal protection, structural integrity and impact mitigation into a single system capable of safely and securely returning the materials without requiring decelerating parachutes. In one embodiment, the integrated sample return capsule includes a forward facing heat shield and a back shell attached to the rear of the heat shield. The heat shield and the back shell define an interior enclosure. The back shell includes an access, such as a door or a removable panel, there through to the interior enclosure. Materials to be returned may be sealed in a sample containment vault, and the sealed vault may be placed into the interior enclosure through the access. An optional support deck may be provided within the interior enclosure for receiving the sample containment vault and supporting the vault within the interior enclosure.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An integrated sample return capsule for use in returning materials disposed within a sealable sample containment vault to Earth from space, said integrated sample return capsule comprising:a forward facing heat shield, said heat shield comprising an insulating and crushable layer including an ins

1. An integrated sample return capsule for use in returning materials disposed within a sealable sample containment vault to Earth from space, said integrated sample return capsule comprising:a forward facing heat shield, said heat shield comprising an insulating and crushable layer including an insulating and crushable material, and a shell on an outer side of said insulating and crushable layer, said shell including an ablative material; a back shell rearward of and attachable to said heat shield, wherein said back shell and said heat shield define an interior enclosure therebetween, and wherein said back shell includes an access therethrough permitting disposition of the sample containment vault within said interior enclosure; and a support deck mountable within said interior enclosure, said support deck being adapted to support the sample containment vault within said interior enclosure upon disposition of the sample containment vault within said interior enclosure.