PlaTuS

PlaTuS (Planetary Tube Sampler) is an experimental setup designed to collect surface samples from planetary bodies. Using a simple mechanism with two motors, a tube sampler is inserted a few centimeters into the sample material during a TAG (Touch-and-Go) maneuver and then immediately withdrawn. The sample material consists of both non-cryogenic materials, such as sand analog, and cryogenic materials in the form of ice particles produced by the in-house ice machine.

The goal of the experiment is to develop a sampling and extraction mechanism that can collect material from the top 2 to 10 cm of a planetary body using the simplest possible mechanics and minimal design effort. Such systems are relevant for future planetary missions where reliable and resource-efficient sampling is crucial.