Abstract
Because the analysis of substances from asteroids will contribute to elucidate the origin of the solar system, the establishment of technologies to bring back samples from asteroids to the Earth is indispensable. Ice that exists on asteroids is considered the origin of water on the Earth. This leads to elucidate the origin of life. For the sake of technology establishment, it is necessary to develop a reliable sampling mechanism. A sampling system that utilizes alternative electrostatic force and does not need any mechanical activators was developed. Parallel screen electrodes (wire diameter: 1.2 mm, pitch: 5.0 mm, gap: 5.0 mm) are used to this sampling system. When rectangular two-phase high voltage is applied between the parallel screen electrodes, Coulomb force and dielectrophoresis force act on particles near the electrodes and some agitated particles pass through the openings of the screen electrodes. In this study, the basic properties of the sampling system for ice particles in addition to lunar regolith simulant were investigated. Experiment was carried out and aims to collect 0.1 g particles (with diameters of 1.0 mm or larger) that are minimum amount to give a scientific analysis. As a result, maximum 0.77 g of diameter 1.0 mm or less ice particles were collected by the sampling system. Also, 0.071 g of ice in 1.0-3.0 mm diameter was collected.
