Tenacity

Tenacity’s sampler head spins like a drill while burrowing into regolith, then seals to prevent dirt from escaping. This spinning motion creates less resistance in lunar gravity than an excavator-like scoop. Full sampler heads are then placed in slots on Tenacity’s back and an empty one is attached. This design uses more trips to transport smaller amounts of regolith, which allows Tenacity to explore a larger area. Additionally, Tenacity overcomes environmental challenges in several ways. A body made from low-conductivity thermal plastics coupled with solid silica aerogel at night and non-liquid coolant alternatives during the day helps keep electronics insulated. Six independently operated wheels (made with aluminum frames and carbon-composite “tires” to optimize traction) assist in maneuvering through terrain with minimal regolith pickup. Powered by a radioisotope thermoelectric generator, Tenacity navigates with LIDAR and a gyro sensor (and folds up to conserve space aboard a rocket).