Development and test of a Lunar Excavation and Size Separation System (LES 3 ) for the LUVMI?X rover platform

Future sustained human presence on the Moon will require us to make use of lunar resources. This in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) process suitable feedstock (i.e., regolith) that has been both acquired and prepared (or beneficiated) set standards. Acquisition pre-processed regolith, is an often overlooked engineering challenge in demanding low-gravity environment surface. Currently, regolith excavation size separation are developed independently each other. Here, we present Lunar Excavation Size Separation System (LES3), which engineered one-system solution combine acquisition as well separate it into two distinct fractions, therefore, can assist define quality material for ISRU processes. Intended with a lightweight (40–60 kg) rover (LUnar Volatiles Mobile Instrumentation-X; LUVMI-X) currently under development, mechanism utilises vibrations reduce forces facilitate separation. Low crucial excavators be deployable robotic platforms limited traction available. The rationale behind explained, its capabilities support science showcased, results from several laboratory test campaigns, including tests gravitational dry sieving different simulants, presented. LES3 excavate up 100 g single charge while maintaining less than 8 N having mass 2 kg. Finally, areas improvement second iteration design presented explained. proof concept shows combining size-separation feasible.