Development And Validation Of Fiberscope Sample Imaging System For In-Situ Sample Assessment

Fiberscope Sample Imaging System (FiSI) is a sample verification system developed for a potential comet surface sample return mission. This paper describes recent development and validation of the FiSI system. The illumination design is revised to enhance imaging robustness for dusty sample observation. The comet sample object area is illuminated by ten bundles of illumination fibers that are separated from the imaging fiberscopes. Two LED illumination sources provide switchable sample illumination that can be individually adjusted for different sample conditions. The FiSI fiberscope was validated in an environmental chamber for a wide temperature range of -170 degrees C to +70 degrees C. Moreover, the FiSI prototype was tested on a parabolic aircraft flight to validate operation in simulated microgravity. During 60 parabolic maneuvers, the FiSI system operated flawlessly and obtained images of different types and quantities of samples including dusty comet sample simulants. The FiSI prototype was successfully demonstrated in a relevant thermal and microgravity environment and it is now validated to TRL 6.