NASA’s Psyche mission studies the metal-rich asteroid 16-Psyche to understand planetary formation. Because damaged or contaminated samples limit scientific analysis, safe sample transfer and containment are critical for future space missions.
We developed a sample transfer and containment system to move collected material into a return capsule while maintaining contamination-free conditions. Our design limits exposure to external dust, protects samples from temperature fluctuations, and reduces damage from debris during transfer and storage. We built a working prototype and test plan that demonstrated controlled, repeatable transfer operations. Our testing focused on alignment accuracy, repeatability, and non-contact transfer capability to verify the system could scale to future mission requirements.
We implemented an open-source robotic arm equipped with a camera and end effector to capture samples. The camera identifies visual markers, similar to QR codes, placed on sample containers. These markers enable the arm to locate targets, align the end effector, and confirm placement during transfer. This approach improves accuracy and simplifies testing by making each step measurable and repeatable. We based our capsule concept on proven designs from NASA sample return missions including Stardust and OSIRIS-REx, which used sealed containers to protect material during handling and return. By combining vision-guided robotic transfer with a sealed capsule design, we created a system that supported safe and reliable sample handling for future Psyche mission applications.
