The Small Planetary Linear Impulse Tool, SPLIT. A novel approach to geo-technics on another planet

A major problem facing remote robotic in situ planetary missions is ambiguity caused by the nature and characteristics of a rock’s measurement surface, which may mask an underlying, more representative mineralogy, petrology or hidden biosignatures (we use the term bio-signature broadly here to include isotopic, molecular and morphological indicators). Based on the practice of field geology, it has been firmly established for planetary surface exploration, both manned and remote, that effective sampling of rocks is key to maximising scientific return and the delivery of mission objectives. Proposed for missions like the up-coming Mars2020 rover, SPLIT is a novel geo-technics approach to this problem, an instrument that breaks a rock target exactly as a field geologist would with a hammer, to expose a deep internal, pristine surface. The search for signs of extinct or extant life may start here, significantly extending a payload’s capability of geological and geochemical reconnaissance, enabling rock measurements otherwise not possible with current exploration technology. Complementary to other tools, SPLIT facilitates subsequent targeted sampling and extends sampling depth of current geo-technics. The technique can take advantage of an irregular surface, further extending access beyond the target range of other preparation tools. Combined with physical properties sensors, SPLIT contributes to understanding the scientific context of a target rock and maximizes scientific return for other contact/non-contact instruments, particularly in the selection of a return sample core. Furthermore, SPLIT exposes a rock interior within a few minutes and may be used to manage wear of other tool tips and thus, rover energy resources or deployed as a geological ‘triage’ tool. In terms of planetary protection, the tip never contacts the newly exposed surface and interpretation of a freshly cleaved rock surface on Mars may represent a step change in geo-technics and a new area in the field of planetary science.