Surface Sampling and Packing System for Chang'E-5 and 6 Lunar Sample Return Missions

Principle Investigator:
Ir Prof. YUNG Kai Leung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Director of Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering

This Surface Sampling and Packing System, developed and manufactured by PolyU, collected over 1.5kg of surface samples on the lunar front side and 1.6kg on the far side, significantly contributing to our understanding of the universe. On the Chang’e-6 mission, it performed the historic first lunar far-side surface sampling.

The system includes two samplers, two high temperature nearfield cameras, and a sample packing system, designed to sample all types of lunar regolith. The packing system automatically performs all sample packing operations, such as unlocking after landing, lifting the container lid, swiping a funnel over the container to protect the rim from contamination while allowing smooth deposition of the sample into the container, sealing the container with the lid, and releasing the container for transfer to the ascender. The accompanying cameras provide visual guidance for sample acquisition, deposition, precision pickup of the container, and insertion into the ascender for return to Earth.