Development and Evaluation of Regolith Mass Estimation Sensor Based on Photoresist Effect
This paper presents the design, implementation, and laboratory validation of an optoelectronic-based mass estimation sensor for regolith sampling devices. The sensor integrates multiple photoresistors into the walls of a shovel of a sampling device, where the sensors detect varying levels of light o...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Aerospace |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/11/12/963 |
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| author | Arkadiusz Tkacz Karol Seweryn |
| author_facet | Arkadiusz Tkacz Karol Seweryn |
| author_sort | Arkadiusz Tkacz |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This paper presents the design, implementation, and laboratory validation of an optoelectronic-based mass estimation sensor for regolith sampling devices. The sensor integrates multiple photoresistors into the walls of a shovel of a sampling device, where the sensors detect varying levels of light occlusion caused by the deposited regolith. By analyzing the output signals from these photoresistors, the sensor estimates the mass of the sampled regolith. The device is designed to handle a typical sample mass range of 100–300 g. Laboratory tests demonstrated that the sensor can estimate the regolith mass with a relative error of approximately 23%, which is suitable for early-stage applications where rapid, non-invasive mass estimation is essential. The shown level of accuracy underscores the potential for further refining the calibration process, enhancing sensor sensitivity, and integrating multi-sensor approaches to improve performance. This conceptual study highlights the feasibility of using optoelectronic sensors for regolith mass estimation, paving the way for future innovations in ISRU missions and other granular material sampling applications. Future work will focus on the optimization of photoresistor placements, refining the calibration process, and enhancing sensor sensitivity to improve the accuracy of mass estimation. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-cd9f75ff4c064b82a23e6dd89f61f135 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2226-4310 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-11-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Aerospace |
| spelling | doaj-art-cd9f75ff4c064b82a23e6dd89f61f1352024-12-27T14:02:22ZengMDPI AGAerospace2226-43102024-11-01111296310.3390/aerospace11120963Development and Evaluation of Regolith Mass Estimation Sensor Based on Photoresist EffectArkadiusz Tkacz0Karol Seweryn1Space Research Centre PAS, Bartycka 18A, 00-716 Warsaw, PolandSpace Research Centre PAS, Bartycka 18A, 00-716 Warsaw, PolandThis paper presents the design, implementation, and laboratory validation of an optoelectronic-based mass estimation sensor for regolith sampling devices. The sensor integrates multiple photoresistors into the walls of a shovel of a sampling device, where the sensors detect varying levels of light occlusion caused by the deposited regolith. By analyzing the output signals from these photoresistors, the sensor estimates the mass of the sampled regolith. The device is designed to handle a typical sample mass range of 100–300 g. Laboratory tests demonstrated that the sensor can estimate the regolith mass with a relative error of approximately 23%, which is suitable for early-stage applications where rapid, non-invasive mass estimation is essential. The shown level of accuracy underscores the potential for further refining the calibration process, enhancing sensor sensitivity, and integrating multi-sensor approaches to improve performance. This conceptual study highlights the feasibility of using optoelectronic sensors for regolith mass estimation, paving the way for future innovations in ISRU missions and other granular material sampling applications. Future work will focus on the optimization of photoresistor placements, refining the calibration process, and enhancing sensor sensitivity to improve the accuracy of mass estimation.https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/11/12/963ISRUregolithmass estimationoptoelectronicsregolith sampling devicephotoresistor sensors |
| spellingShingle | Arkadiusz Tkacz Karol Seweryn Development and Evaluation of Regolith Mass Estimation Sensor Based on Photoresist Effect Aerospace ISRU regolith mass estimation optoelectronics regolith sampling device photoresistor sensors |
| title | Development and Evaluation of Regolith Mass Estimation Sensor Based on Photoresist Effect |
| title_full | Development and Evaluation of Regolith Mass Estimation Sensor Based on Photoresist Effect |
| title_fullStr | Development and Evaluation of Regolith Mass Estimation Sensor Based on Photoresist Effect |
| title_full_unstemmed | Development and Evaluation of Regolith Mass Estimation Sensor Based on Photoresist Effect |
| title_short | Development and Evaluation of Regolith Mass Estimation Sensor Based on Photoresist Effect |
| title_sort | development and evaluation of regolith mass estimation sensor based on photoresist effect |
| topic | ISRU regolith mass estimation optoelectronics regolith sampling device photoresistor sensors |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/11/12/963 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT arkadiusztkacz developmentandevaluationofregolithmassestimationsensorbasedonphotoresisteffect AT karolseweryn developmentandevaluationofregolithmassestimationsensorbasedonphotoresisteffect |