NASA
Lunar Sample Collection Bag

2011

NASA

Johnson Space Center

As an intern at NASA's Habitability Design Department, my teammate and I were tasked with creating a lunar sample collection bag.

Brief

Create a sample collection bag that can be easily transported by an astronaut after collecting lunar rock samples, and easily stored when not in use.

Process

We analyzed existing sample collection procedures and tools, an astronaut's restricted mobility, the limitations of the suit and gloves, usage versus storage, and shape versus orientation. While ideating and refining our concepts, our main focuses were the bag's rigidity, collapsibility, and ease of use both physically and visually.

Final

Our final design was a spring-loaded bag that could be easily collapsed when not in use, and would stand upright even when empty while in the process of collecting lunar rock samples. We also incorporated bright color pops, which served as handle indicators for astronauts, providing increased visibility.

Existing Sample Collection Tools & Processes

Multiple tools are involved in the lunar sample collection process. From contact soil sampling devices to trenching tools, an astronaut is responsible for a carrier holding all of these devices.

The Sample Collection Bag is one of these many items in which an astronaut stows all lunar samples.

The Sample Collection Bag must be able to stand upright on the lunar surface. A rigid structure is imperative so that the bag stands upright even when empty.

The Sample Collection Bag must be easily stored after transferring the lunar samples to the Sample Return Container.

Ideation

We analyzed these sample collection procedures and tools, an astronaut's restricted mobility, the limitations of the suit and gloves, usage versus storage, and shape versus orientation.

While refining our concepts, our main focuses were the bag's rigidity, collapsibility, and ease of use both physically and visually.

Prototype

Our final design was a spring-loaded bag that could be easily collapsed when not in use, and would stand upright even when empty while in the process of collecting lunar rock samples. We also incorporated bright color pops, which served as handle indicators for astronauts, providing increased visibility.