D.A.R.K.C.I.D.E.
What are the heat flow properties of the
lunar regolith on the far-side of the
moon?
To answer this question, DARKCIDE has
designed the SIDDHIUS* payload. After extensive
research on devices to take part in completing the
task of heat flow analysis, DARKCIDE has chosen:
the support system from the DLR’s HP3 (Heat flow
and Physical Properties Package), the KRET mole,
and the von Hoerner&Sulger Nanokhod. DARKCIDE
has taken these instruments and slightly modified
them to work together in one compatible payload.
Each of these devices are proven and tested in
different space simulated environments, while also
found to be the most reliable and modern devices for
their purpose. Along with its effectiveness and
reliability, SIDDHIUS was designed with an
engineering budget in mind: low mass, low volume,
low power, and low data.
The heat flow properties that SIDDHIUS will
discover may lead to the answers of a large range of
scientific questions about the far-side of the moon
including: thermal structure, environment variation,
and chemical composition.
Overall, SIDDHIUS serves as a precise and
practical solution to the important questions of heat
flow analysis. Details on back…
SIDDHIUS
Design
A
Regolith
KelvinCelsius
Insulation
Detector for
Engineering
KRET Mole
The KRET mole is a low velocity, medium to high energy, self-driven
penetrator. It’s size is only 33X2cm and weighs 500g,Y\yet it also includes an
accelerometer to determine position at all times and is designed to maneuver
around impenetrable objects. It has been tested to penetrate 5 meters into lunar
regolith simulate and is predicted to go 6 meters deep on the moon’s surface.
The mole moves in four phases:
PHASE 1: Hammer compresses the driving spring.
PHASE 2: Released hammer accelerates and hits the casing. As a result of the
exchange of energy and momentum, the casing is inserted a small
distance into the soil. The support moves in the opposite direction.
PHASE 3: The support reaches the highest position compressing the return
spring.
PHASE 4: The support accelerated by the return spring and gravity hits the
casing and causes additional movement further into the soil.
Heat Flow and Physical Properties Package (HP3)
The HP3 support system will be placed on the lunar surface by the
Nanokhod rover. It’s weight after modifications is estimated under 1000g. The HP3
houses all the electronics and data storage needed for the mole to function. It will
also hold an outside thermal sensor for the atmosphere constant measurement.
Nanokhod
*Sparkman
Interplanetary
Device
Detecting
Heat
Insulation
Under
Surface
The Nanokhod rover is a is a small, light-weight rover that was orignially
built to analyze geochemical samples from different areas on a planetary surface.
DARKCIDE has contacted both the DLR and vH&S to determine it capable of
carrying the HP3 and mole in place of its currently designed payload. Its rotating
arms with axis on both ends give the payload cabin 2 degrees of motion allowing
it to be positioned tangent to any angled surface. The rover, apart from the
payload cabin, weighs 1700g while also self-containing a 100 meter data and
power tether that will be attached to the back to the lander and to the HP3 at all
times. The rover can be controlled from earth by the sight of a small on board
camera mounted on the payload cabin. Altogether it fits as the perfect rover to
carry the HP3 to its testing position.
Mission Process!
1. Deployment of SIDDHIUS (all movement will be done during day light only)
2. Move 20-50 meters North or South to get out of the lander’s shadow
3. Position payload cabin tangent to Lunar surface
4. Begin deployment of mole after detaching from Nanokhod
5. Mole will move at an average of approx. .23 mm after every 30 second cycle
6. Every .25 meters, the mole will stop and take thermal measurements hourly for
one entire Lunar cycle. Surface temperatures will will taken simultaneously.
7. After the passive heating measurements are taken at 1.25 meters deep, an
active heating test will be taken with a heating foil on the mole. Thermal
measurements will be taken until the heat has decayed back to normal
temperature.
8. This active heating test will be repeated at 2.0 meters
9. The entire mission is estimated to use around 0.1 MB of data