Sample Acquisition and Caching Architectures for the Mars 2020 Mission

We present two architectures for sample acquisition and caching for the upcoming Mars 2020 rover mission. Both architectures use a ‘one bit one core’ caching approach whereby each rock core sample is acquired with a new bit and subsequently cached with that bit. The sampling system has as many bits as the required number of returnable samples (plus extras). Hermetic seals are achieved by screwing the bit into a sleeve within the cache. In the first architecture, one drilling system is used in conjunction with a number of detachable tools. These tools include a Rock Abrasion and Brushing Tool (RABBIT) for brushing and abrading of rocks in a similar manner as Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) on Mars Exploration Rovers (MER), a Preview Bit for viewing of cores in situ, a Powder and Regolith Acquisition bit (PRABit) for acquisition of rock powder/regolith for instruments and for sample return, and a SLOT bit for acquisition of returnable core samples. The SLOT bit allows observing and analysis of the core sample along its length and estimation of its volume. If deemed to be of high enough scientific value, the SLOT bit with the sample can be deposited in a cache and hermetically sealed. The second architecture uses a standalone RAT, similar to the RAT on the MERs, and a drill system with the SLOT bit and the PRABit. To capture regolith for sample return, the PRABit can be used as before.