Penetration tests on the DS-2 Mars microprobes: penetration depth and impact accelerometry

We describe the results of three separate sets of impact tests conducted du ring the development of the DS-2 Mars Microprobe mission, As well as indica ting the promise of penetration to similar to 0.5 m depth on Mars, these te sts show the utility of accelerometer data in determining the penetration d epth, the hardness of the surface material and the existence of layers, and the presence of coarse-grained material. Various lessons learned in instru mentation and operation, airgun testing and target characterization, and pe netrator design for reliable separation, are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier S cience Ltd. All rights reserved.