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Sealed Planetary Return Canister (SPRC)

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNX10CE15P
Agency Tracking Number: 095374
Amount: $99,160.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: S5.02
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2009
Award Year: 2010
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2010-01-29
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2010-07-29
Small Business Information
17340 Rayen Street
Northridge, CA 91325-2936
United States
DUNS: 831006502
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: Yes
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Scott Stanley
 Principal Investigator
 (818) 709-7815
 spstanley@technoplanetinc.com
Business Contact
 Scott Stanley
Title: Business Official
Phone: (818) 709-7815
Email: spstanley@technoplanetinc.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Sample return missions have primary importance in future planetary missions. A basic requirement is that samples be returned in pristine, uncontaminated condition, necessitating development of a canister system capable of maintaining cleanliness and seal integrity through a variety of environments. Such a canister system, the Sealed Planetary Return Canister (SPRC), is proposed. Besides providing a high integrity seal, the canister also incorporates features that for robotic manipulation and to allow the sample to be accessed in a controlled manner upon return to Earth. The SPRC seal system addresses the two most significant concerns for planetary samples – seal surfaces contaminated by the sample and high pressure due to the phase change of volatiles. The SPRC incorporates a novel sealing system evolved from the only marginally successful Apollo seal approach but with added features to address the difficulties and inconsistencies observed. The indium is contained within a protective barrier to prevent oxidation, and the knife edge is mechanically cleaned during the sealing process. The container body will be configured to accommodate a variety of samples including rock cores, rock fragments, regolith, dust, and frozen soil. Atmospheric samples can also be preserved. The design is readily scalable and adaptable to specific missions.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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