![](\"http:\/\/www.esa.int\/var\/esa\/storage\/images\/esa_multimedia\/images\/2016\/04\/asteroid_cleaner\/15923290-1-eng-GB\/Asteroid_cleaner_small.jpg\")
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\nAnalysing the dusty layers of low-gravity moons or asteroids using robots is on the agenda for ESA\u2019s exploration of the Solar System. Engineers are thinking of ways to collect and analyse the surface dust on far-away worlds. This is particularly tricky in low gravity, because a simple drill or scoop would just push the lander away from the surface.\n<\/p>\n
\nThis prototype model uses three rotating brushes that also circle in the horizontal plane to scoop dust into a container for analysis. It is designed to collect at least 100 g within 20 seconds.\n<\/p>\n
\nDesigned and built by Added Value Solutions<\/a> of Spain, the machine automatically detects the distance between the brushes and the surface to adapt as necessary, collect the dust, and direct it into a hermetically sealed box for storage and analysis.\n<\/p>\n \nEverything looks promising on Earth, but will it work without gravity? To check it in action, the prototype will fly on ESA\u2019s 64th parabolic aircraft campaign<\/a> later this month, providing more than 90 bursts of microgravity lasting 20 seconds at a time.\n<\/p>\n \nOver the course of three days it will scoop up particles ranging from a few 0.001 mm up to pebbles of 3 cm. The samples can be analysed at the end of each day, and a camera will record progress so that the operators can adjust settings between the bouts of weightlessness.\n<\/p>\n \nBy running the prototype on a parabolic flight, engineers can fine-tune key factors such as speed, brush depth and sampling duration.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \nAnalysing the dusty layers of low-gravity moons or asteroids using robots is on the agenda for ESA’s exploration of the Solar System. Engineers are thinking of ways to collect and analyse the surface dust on far-away worlds. This is particularly tricky in low gravity, because a simple drill or scoop would just push the lander away from the surface.\n<\/p>\n \nThis prototype model uses three rotating brushes that also circle in the horizontal plane to scoop dust into a container for analysis. It is designed to collect at least 100 g within 20 seconds.\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n