SPARTA—A New Geotechnical Tool for Subsurface Exploration

Detailed characterization of the subsurface properties of in situ planetary regolith is critical to many applied areas in planetary science, astrobiology, space engineering, and to the operational success of all future science missions involving surface or near-surface contact. Understanding the geomechanical properties of planetary regolith, as well as determining the presence and the chemical potentials of liquid water and water-ice, are both central to NASA’s exploration strategy for future manned long-term exploration of the Moon and Mars. SPARTA (Regolith Properties Assessment, Resistance, Thermal, Analysis) is a highly versatile, miniature toolkit that provides NASA with a new capability for in situ measurements of mechanical, thermal, electrical, and chemical properties of dry or icy regolith and permafrost during surface-landed missions. SPARTA is designed for planetary bodies such as the Moon, Mars, Mercury, Venus, asteroids, and comets with or without atmospheres, that may/may not contain water/ice.