Research Tasks

The objective of this task is to develop and validate a sample tube sealing method to Technology Readiness Level 5 for possible future sample return missions. The sealing method will be directed towards 1 cm diameter thin-walled sample tubes. Full end-to-end sample integrity will be addressed, including: material selection, cleaning and sterilization, integration into a caching system, sealing in a relevant environment, launch and re-entry vehicle impact mitigation, and sample removal from the tube.