Modelling of low gravity sampling and sample transfer systems for Enceladus surface acquisition

Saturn’s moon Enceladus is one of the most promising places in the Solar System that might potentially host the life beyond Earth. The Cassini mission strongly suggested the presence of hydrothermal activity and observed material from the subsurface ocean being ejected by plumes and then settling on the surface. Moreover, the low radiation environment would help to preserve the chemical composition of samples deposited on the surface. A potential future mission landing on the surface of Enceladus would have the goal to collect surface samples for in-situ analysis. The low surface gravity of Enceladus (1% of Earth’s gravity) represents a unique challenge for sampling, sample collection and handling. This paper introduces the analytical and numerical models developed to study the sample collection and transfer operations with the aim to provide useful guidelines for sample chain design.