Sample Processing, Manipulation & Containment
MeSH — Mechanized Sample Handler
Product Features
The Mechanized Sample Handler (MeSH) is being developed by Honeybee Robotics as a miniature centralized sample preparation station that could be mounted on an MSL-class (large) rover for a future mission to Mars. Envisioned MeSH capabilities include three main subsystems: a rock crusher, a sieving/shaking mechanism, and a portioning/distribution system.
MeSH is designed to do the following:
- receive a variety of sample types (loose regolith, pebbles and small rock cores) from a variety of sampling devices
- present a sample to several pre-preparation instruments for initial classification or documentation
- prepare a sample
- distribute prepared samples to a variety of instruments for further analysis or storage
MeSH’s rock crusher uses compression and attrition to reduce rock cores from a solid core to a very fine powder. The sieving/shaking mechanism will sort fine powder samples into two size categories, both targeted to be below 150 microns. The portioning/distribution system takes the sieved sample and makes an aliquot (or small portion) of it. The aliquot is then passed off to one of several instrument inlet ports. MeSH should be able to make several aliquots from a single crushed sample and distribute it to each instrument for analysis