3 ms·
> 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 b
by 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.