Abstract
A new subsurface sampling device is proposed for use in small-body exploration. The device proposed has a multi-stage telescopic structure that is extended into regolith using high-pressure gas. High-pressure gas is also used to collect the sample. Since the device proposed has no actuator, it is expected to be highly reliable. We experimentally demonstrated that this device can excavate a dummy regolith layer up to a depth of 1 m and collect sufficient samples located deeper than 1 m for in-situ analysis. These results indicate that the device proposed is a viable candidate for actual exploration missions.
