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Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech |
The
In-Situ Martian Rock Analysis (CHIMRA) device can
analyze and observe sand samples from the Bagnold Dunes, an area of dark sand
dunes along the northwestern flank of Mars’ Mount Sharp. Here, active sand dunes have been
discovered. Studying them will help us understand Mars’ environment. Further, it
will contribute to the mission's interpretation of Mars’ composition variations
and patterns in “ancient sandstones that formed from wind or flowing water.”
CHIMRA
allows NASA researchers to rely on the most effective analytical skills without
being physically in contact with the machine during the process. CHIMRA processes
the samples collected with the aid of the built-in-scoop and the drill, and
also delivers these samples to the analytical lab instruments found inside the
Mars Curiosity Rover.
This
device is composed of multiple machineries. First, the scoop delivers the
material to a certain location and the drill deposits the material to the
sample transfer tube. Then, using the CHIMRA’s vibration mechanism, which
allows shaking the turret then causing the sample to move inside the CHIMRA.
The sample later passes on to the portion box where the samples are processed
through a sieve. Finally, the samples are delivered to the analytical lab
instruments of the Mars Curiosity rover.
This
is in fact one of the most impressive feats of engineering: being able to rely
and trust an analytical process without requiring human supervision.
Engineering machines such as CHIMRA would guarantee that the Mars mission will
help unravel many of Mars soil mysteries.
Engineering Group “A":
Maria Guirado, Arianna Alonso, Flavio Rodriguez
Works Cited
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