The InSight probe has landed on Mars to shed new light on the formation of rocky planets.
The mission entails driving a measuring probe 5m deep into the Martian ground. maxon engineers pulled out all the stops to make their motor fit for the job.
Tension is mounting among fans of space exploration, as the robotic InSight probe landed on Mars on 26 November.
The stationary lander will carry out various measurements over a period of two years and provide important insights into Mars and the formation of Earth. The mission is being conducted by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for NASA.
Motor rams penetrometer 5m deep into the ground
DC motors from the Obwalden-based drive specialist maxon motor are also on board.
A compact motor-gearhead combination with a diameter of 22mm is used in the HP3 probe developed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). It is designed to determine the temperature profile of the planet. Specifically, the maxon drive is located in a rod-shaped penetrometer, nicknamed ‘the Mole’ by the developers.
This penetrometer is autonomously driven five meters into the ground. To achieve this, the motor tensions a spring with each revolution. The spring then releases with great force, executing a powerful downward punch. In this way, the Mole gradually burrows downwards over a period of several weeks, pulling along a cable that is equipped with sensors to help the researchers determine the thermal state of the interior of Mars and draw conclusions about its origin. Since Mars is a rocky planet like Earth, the scientific results may also help gain a better understanding of our own planet.
Special solution for more than 400g
Mars is not a very friendly environment for technology. Nonetheless, more than a hundred maxon drives have already proven their worth on the Red Planet.
The current InSight mission posed additional challenges for the Swiss engineers. To efficiently drive the penetrometer into the ground, the DC motor needs to withstand forces in excess of 400g and more than 100,000 times.
It took a number of variations and failed tests to find the right solution. The result is a standard DCX 22 motor, which is greatly modified with additional welding rings, bearing welds and specially shortened brushes. The utilised GP 22 HD gearhead only needed Mars-specific lubrication.
Say hello to an old acquaintance
The InSight probe is powered by two solar panels for the duration of its mission.
To save costs, JPL repurposed designs from the successful Phoenix mission, using a maxon DC motor developed some time ago to extend the solar panels. This type of motor, an RE 25, has ensured that NASA’s Opportunity rover has been active on Mars for more than 14 years (even if it is currently in deep sleep due to a sandstorm).
Thus, two generations of maxon drives come together in the InSight robot probe to jointly contribute to the mission’s success.