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> In October, researchers at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, discovered that 2 of the 35 screws that fasten the lid of the sample-return canister co
by LordGrey 3y ago
> In October, researchers at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, discovered that 2 of the 35 screws that fasten the lid of the sample-return canister couldn’t be removed — blocking access to the remainder of the space rocks.
That sounds about like every DIY repair around the house I attempt.
Joking aside, the article goes on to say that "NASA is now making new screwdrivers" to gain access. Does anyone have details on this? Why would NASA need to build something new?
- yellow_lead 3y agoTo prevent contamination > The screwdrivers that NASA is building to free the remaining rocks and dust will need to be made from materials that won’t contaminate the samples, which are currently inside a nitrogen-filled glovebox. I'm not sure why the screwdrivers that opened the other screws wouldn't work though, if that's what you're asking.
- gumby 3y ago> Joking aside, the article goes on to say that "NASA is now making new screwdrivers" to gain access. Does anyone have details on this? Why would NASA need to build something new? They have to be qualified for use inside the glove box (read this in a different article), which I assume means sterile and unlikely to flake any material off. NASA is quite worried about being faked out by detecting something added post collection. Also who knows what the failure mode is, so here is some speculation: Perhaps some distortion in the case, so the screw holes are no longer circular? In which case the tool has to apply more torque than normal (without flaking or snapping) and maybe have a special clamp, and even a strain gauge for measuring torque?
- JohnFen 3y ago> which I assume means sterile and unlikely to flake any material off. Yes, as well as being nonreactive, not able to outgas much, etc. They're going to do minute chemical analysis on the samples, so avoiding chemical contamination is essential.
- gumby 3y agoWonder what they made the chamber itself out of.
- schreiaj 3y agoLikely stainless steel. That’s what they made other tools for working with it out of https://youtu.be/myEFGcyInIQ?si=HmJS2kma_skWyKJ8 https://youtu.be/myEFGcyInIQ?si=HmJS2kma_skWyKJ8
- Terr_ 3y agoI'm imagining a mission where there are two or more sets of sampling-tools and sample-storage, each set made out of different metals. That way we could cross-check for tool/storage-based contamination or accidental reactions.
- dylan604 3y agoI bet this new will cost more than the military's infamous $5k ashtray. a) it's very specialized, b) they only need one of them (so better order two), c) the specs are beyond ridiculously strict.