NASA RASSOR Bucket Drum

Last crawled date: 1 year, 11 months ago

Scale Model Testing revealed modifications to the internal baffling were necessary. The model has been updated with refined baffling. This design is the most efficient possible while maintaining functionality in any situation. It is exceedingly lightweight, robust, and based on tried and true technology.

The extensive internal baffling maintains above a 50% fill ratio (20 Liters) regardless of terrain variation and duration of transport. This was demonstrated in scale testing.

The cutting edge utilizes excavator bucket teeth we have used for well over one hundred years. The scoop leading edges are angled to deflect larger rocks away from the bucket and rover path to prevent damaging any aspect of the rover or getting the rover stuck.

Titanium and Carbon fiber construction is exceedingly abrasion resistant, strong, and lightweight.

This design is just within all maximum design dimensions and above volume requirements.

Mass: 2.995 kg
Fill Ratio: Above 50%
(Likely above 60%, unable to verify with current resources)
Volume of Regolith: Above 20 Liters

This design will indeed work, as demonstrated in scale tests. Every aspect of this design has been thoroughly scrutinized for functionality and refined multiple times. The opening for the bucket is smaller than the path through the baffling. Anything that can make it in can certainly make it back out. Each scoop has its own internal chamber to maximize fill speed and minimize regolith loss during transport.

This design was created with the intention of 3d printing the bucket from carbon fiber infused nylon with dissolvable supports, but It can also be constructed traditionally from carbon fiber fabric. The bucket teeth and leading edge can be 3d printed or machined from titanium or steel and attached with industrial adhesive, riveted, or crimped to the bucket. The bucket is thin enough not waste crucial mass while maintaining more than enough strength for interplanetary mining operations in lower gravity environments.

Youtube Video available Below.