INDIE - a self-deploying lunar sampling system

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INDEPENDENTly Deploying System, INDIE is a lightweight, low-power tool that can collect lunar regolith samples without requiring additional mechanisms such as a robot arm. Weighing 485 grams and utilizing up to 25 watts of power, INDIE uses the principle of a dragline excavator to extract and sort samples. The motorized bucket, linked to a winch, swings itself into various positions for optimal digging angles, obstacle avoidance, edge maneuvering, and sample deposition. The winch's vertical axis rotation expands the sampling area. Fine dust and small rocks are sifted through a sieve, while larger rocks remain at the top. As the bucket is returned to the lander, a spring-loaded iris mechanism deposits the fine samples, with an angled tilt for large rock deposition. For missions already equipped with robotic arms, INDIE serves as a 235-gram, under 10-watt sample collector (bucket only). A more detailed explanation can be found in the INDIE README.pdf.