Automated extraterrestrial sample disposal system for Class V restricted sample return

Abstract

The present invention provides an automated disposal system for extraterrestrial samples suitable for Class V restricted sampling return, including a returner receiving subsystem, a returner ground isolation and sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem, a returner and on-orbit sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem, a sample tube unsealing and sample separation disposal subsystem, a biosafety assessment disposal subsystem, four transfer channels and power supply and distribution, information collection and control subsystems, and the reception and automated processing of extraterrestrial samples are realized through the four disposal subsystems, four transfer channels and power supply and distribution, information collection and control units. The present invention realizes the safe reception and disposal of extraterrestrial samples by adopting the proposed automated processing method for extraterrestrial samples suitable for Class V restricted sampling return, which not only effectively controls the biosafety risks that extraterrestrial samples may pose to the Earth's ecosystem, but also protects the originality and scientific value of Martian samples.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of planetary protection, and in particular to an automated extraterrestrial sample disposal system suitable for Class V restricted sampling return. Background Art

[0002] Planetary protection refers to the avoidance of cross-biological contamination between the Earth and extraterrestrial bodies during deep space exploration. It generally includes two requirements: 1) Forward protection: protecting the natural state of the explored celestial body to avoid contamination of the exploration results and even affecting subsequent life exploration activities; 2) Return protection: preventing the Earth from being contaminated by extraterrestrial materials and ensuring that the Earth's biosphere is not contaminated or endangered by extraterrestrial life or materials. Implementing planetary protection in deep space exploration missions is both an inherent requirement for deep space exploration missions to achieve life detection and a recognized international responsibility and obligation.

[0003] Planetary protection has become an international responsibility and obligation that must be undertaken in deep space exploration activities. In 1969, the United Nations issued the Outer Space Treaty, which clarified the basic principles of planetary protection. In 1984, commissioned by the United Nations, the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) issued planetary protection policy requirements. In the latest international planetary protection policy issued by the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) in 2021, the planetary protection policy requirements for unmanned deep space exploration missions are stipulated. The specific requirements are shown in Table 1.

[0004] Table 1 Current classification of international planetary protection needs

[0005]

[0006]

[0007] With the continuous expansion of my country's deep space exploration activities, in order to meet the needs of my country's future extraterrestrial sampling and return missions, the necessity of planetary protection has become increasingly apparent under the dual guidance of scientific research needs and the safety of the Earth's ecosystem. Summary of the invention

[0008] In view of the defects in the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an automated extraterrestrial sample disposal system suitable for Class V restricted sampling return.

[0009] According to the present invention, an extraterrestrial sample automated disposal system suitable for Class V restricted sampling return includes: an extraterrestrial sample receiving subsystem, a returner ground isolation and sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem, a returner and on-orbit sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem, a sample tube unsealing and sampling disposal subsystem, and a biosafety assessment disposal subsystem;

[0010] The extraterrestrial sample receiving subsystem receives the returner's ground isolation and sealing device containing the extraterrestrial sample, and transfers the returner's ground isolation and sealing device to the returner's ground isolation and sealing device unsealing and disposal subsystem, and the returner's ground isolation and sealing device unsealing and disposal subsystem performs disinfection and unsealing treatment on the returner's ground isolation and sealing device to obtain the returner, and then transfers the returner to the returner and on-orbit sealing device unsealing and disposal subsystem, and the returner and on-orbit sealing device unsealing and disposal subsystem unseals and disposes of the returner and the sealed container, and the unsealed sample container is sent to the sample tube unsealing and sampling disposal subsystem, and part of the sample is taken out of the sample container and enters the biosafety assessment and disposal subsystem to determine whether there are any biosafety risks in the extraterrestrial sample.

[0011] Preferably, the extraterrestrial sample receiving subsystem includes a first robotic arm and a first conveyor belt, the first conveyor belt conveys the extraterrestrial sample to the front end sealed isolation door of the first transfer channel, and the first robotic arm is used to transfer the extraterrestrial sample to the first transfer channel.

[0012] Preferably, it also includes a first transfer channel, a second transfer channel, a third transfer channel and a fourth transfer channel; the first transfer channel is respectively connected to the extraterrestrial sample receiving subsystem and the returner ground isolation and sealing device unsealing and disposal subsystem, the second transfer channel is respectively connected to the returner ground isolation and sealing device unsealing and disposal subsystem and the returner and on-orbit sealing device unsealing and disposal subsystem, the third transfer channel is respectively connected to the returner and on-orbit sealing device unsealing and disposal subsystem and the sample tube unsealing and sampling disposal subsystem, the fourth transfer channel is respectively connected to the sample tube unsealing and sampling disposal subsystem and the biosafety assessment disposal subsystem;

[0013] The first transfer channel includes a first double-walled cabin, a second conveyor belt, a first front-end sealed isolation door, and a first rear-end sealed isolation door; the second conveyor belt is used for the transmission of extraterrestrial samples, and the first front-end sealed isolation door and the first rear-end sealed isolation door are used for the transfer isolation of extraterrestrial samples between subsystems;

[0014] The second transfer channel, the third transfer channel, and the fourth transfer channel have the same structure as the first transfer channel.

[0015] Preferably, the returner ground isolation and sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem includes a second double-wall cabin, an X-ray scanning unit, an isolation and sealing device outer surface disinfection unit, a ground isolation and sealing device unsealing unit and a returner outer surface disinfection unit;

[0016] The X-ray scanning unit scans the returner ground isolation and sealing device and the interior of the returner to determine whether the extraterrestrial sample tube and the extraterrestrial sample are damaged or leaked during the sampling and packaging, returner landing, returner isolation and sealing process or during transportation;

[0017] The isolation and sealing device outer surface disinfection unit cleans and disinfects the outer surface of the returner ground isolation and sealing device; the returner ground isolation and sealing device unsealing unit unseals the returner ground isolation and sealing device and takes out the returner; the returner outer surface disinfection unit disinfects and cleans the outer surface of the returner.

[0018] Preferably, the returner and on-orbit sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem includes a fourth double-wall cabin, a returner unsealing unit, a sealed container surface disinfection unit, a sealed container unsealing unit, and a sample container surface disinfection unit;

[0019] The returner unsealing unit unseals the returner and takes out the sample container in the returner; the sealed container surface disinfection unit cleans and disinfects the sealed container; the sealed container unsealing unit unseals the sealed container and takes out the sample container in the sealed container; the sample container disinfection unit disinfects and cleans the surface of the sample container.

[0020] Preferably, the sample tube unsealing and sample disposition subsystem comprises a sixth double-walled cabin, a sample container unsealing unit, a sample dispensing unit, a sample storage unit and a sample destruction unit;

[0021] The sample container unsealing unit is used to unseal the sample container and remove the sample tube and sample bag in the sample container; the sample packaging unit is used to package samples of different types, sizes and quantities and to package biosafety test samples; the sample storage unit is used to classify and store samples after they have been assessed as having no safety risks through biosafety assessment; and the sample destruction unit is used to destroy samples after they have been assessed as having no safety risks through biosafety assessment.

[0022] Preferably, the biosafety assessment and disposal subsystem comprises an eighth double-walled cabin, a microbial detection unit, a biosafety assessment unit, and a detection sample destruction unit;

[0023] The microbial detection unit is used to detect whether there are life forms brought from extraterrestrial sources in the sample; the biosafety assessment unit is used to assess the biosafety of the test sample, so as to determine whether the extraterrestrial samples will endanger the safety of the earth's ecosystem; the test sample destruction unit is used to destroy all test samples when the biosafety assessment result indicates that there is a safety risk.

[0024] Preferably, the returner ground isolation sealing device unsealing and disposal subsystem, the returner and on-orbit sealing device unsealing and disposal subsystem, the sample tube unsealing and sampling disposal subsystem, the biosafety assessment disposal subsystem and the first transfer channel, the second transfer channel, the third transfer channel and the fourth transfer channel cabin are all double-wall structures, and the air pressure in the double-wall interlayer is higher than the pressure inside and outside the cabin.

[0025] Preferably, the returner ground isolation sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem, the returner and on-orbit sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem, the sample tube unsealing and sample separation disposal subsystem, the biosafety assessment disposal subsystem, and the first transfer channel, the second transfer channel, the third transfer channel, and the fourth transfer channel all include a temperature control unit, a pressure control unit, and a gas distribution unit;

[0026] The temperature control unit realizes the temperature control in the transfer channel, the pressure control unit is used to maintain the constant pressure in the channel, and the gas distribution unit is used to configure the gases of different components and concentrations required in different compartments and channels.

[0027] According to the present invention, an automated disposal method for extraterrestrial samples applicable to Class V restricted sampling return is provided, comprising:

[0028] Step S1: before receiving the extraterrestrial samples, initializing and setting each subsystem in the extraterrestrial sample automatic disposal system applicable to Class V restricted sampling return;

[0029] Step S2: After the environmental parameters of the first transfer channel are adjusted to be consistent with the external environment, the first front end sealed isolation door of the first transfer channel is opened, and the first robotic arm is instructed to transfer the returner ground isolation sealing device to the second conveyor belt. After the transfer is completed, the first front end sealed isolation door is closed;

[0030] Step S3: After adjusting the environmental parameters of the first transfer channel to be the same as those of the unsealing and disposal subsystem of the returner ground isolation and sealing device, open the first rear end sealing isolation door and transfer the returner ground isolation and sealing device to the third conveyor belt;

[0031] Step S4: Scan the returner's ground isolation sealing device through an X-ray scanning unit to determine whether the internal returner and the extraterrestrial sample packaging are damaged or leaking. After confirming that it is safe and leak-free, send the returner's ground isolation sealing device to the isolation sealing device's outer surface disinfection unit for cleaning and disinfection; unseal the returner's ground isolation sealing device to obtain the returner, and disinfect and clean the outer surface of the returner through the returner's outer surface disinfection unit.

[0032] Step S5: After the environmental parameters of the second transfer channel are consistent with those in the unsealing and disposal subsystem cabin of the returner ground isolation and sealing device, the second front end sealed isolation door is opened, and the returner is transferred to the fourth conveyor belt. After the transfer is completed, the second front end sealed isolation door is closed;

[0033] Step S6: After adjusting the environmental parameters of the first transfer channel to be the same as those of the returner and the on-track sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem, open the second rear end sealing isolation door and transfer the returner to the fifth conveyor belt;

[0034] Step S7: The returner unsealing unit unseals the returner to obtain a sealed container, the sealed container surface disinfection unit cleans and disinfects the surface of the sealed container, and then the sealed container unsealing unit unseals the container to obtain a sample container;

[0035] Step S8: After the environmental parameters of the third transfer channel are adjusted to be consistent with the returner and the on-orbit sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem, the third front end sealed isolation door is opened, and the sample container is transferred to the sixth conveyor belt. After the transfer is completed, the third front end sealed isolation door is closed;

[0036] Step S9: After adjusting the environmental parameters of the transfer channel to be the same as those of the sample tube unsealing and sample separation disposal subsystem, open the third rear end sealed isolation door and transfer the sample container to the seventh conveyor belt; the sample container unsealing unit unseals the sample container, and after unsealing, the sample separation unit separates the sample container to obtain the sample to be tested for biosafety;

[0037] Step S10: After the environmental parameters of the fourth transfer channel are adjusted to be consistent with the external environment, the fourth front-end sealed isolation door is opened, and the samples to be tested for biosafety are transferred to the eighth conveyor belt. After the transfer is completed, the fourth front-end sealed isolation door is closed; after the environmental parameters of the transfer channel are adjusted to be the same as those of the biosafety assessment and disposal subsystem, the fourth rear-end sealed isolation door is opened, and the samples to be tested for biosafety are transferred to the biosafety assessment and disposal subsystem for biosafety testing.

[0038] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0039] 1. The automated disposal system for extraterrestrial samples returned by Class V restricted sampling proposed in the present invention realizes the safe reception and storage of extraterrestrial samples returned by restricted sampling through unmanned layer-by-layer unsealing, disinfection, and biosafety assessment of the extraterrestrial samples returned by restricted sampling, thereby avoiding the destruction of the originality of the extraterrestrial samples due to earth pollution during the unsealing process and ensuring the safety of the earth's ecosystem.

[0040] 2. The unmanned processing system for extraterrestrial samples returned by Class V restricted sampling proposed in the present invention has designed an unsealing process for the layer-by-layer sealing device of the sample, and proposed environmental condition constraints and equipment requirements for the key steps of unsealing. It can not only prevent the potential harm to personnel and the earth's ecosystem caused by unknown life that may exist in the sample, but also prevent the earth's pollution from affecting the originality of the extraterrestrial samples.

[0041] 3. The cabin used in the unmanned processing system for extraterrestrial samples returned by Class V restrictive sampling proposed by the present invention adopts a double-wall structure. The air pressure in the middle is higher than the air pressure inside and outside the cabin, which effectively prevents the exchange of materials inside and outside the cabin and ensures a high degree of isolation between the extraterrestrial sample processing environment and the earth environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of non-limiting embodiments made with reference to the following drawings:

[0043] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of the automated disposal system for extraterrestrial samples suitable for Class V restricted sampling returns in the present invention.

[0044] Description of reference numerals:

[0045]

[0046] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The present invention is described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments. The following embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention, but are not intended to limit the present invention in any form. It should be noted that, for those of ordinary skill in the art, several changes and improvements can also be made without departing from the concept of the present invention. These all belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0048] The present invention provides an automated disposal system for extraterrestrial samples suitable for Class V restricted sampling returns, and proposes environmental condition constraints and equipment requirements for the key step of unsealing the layer-by-layer sealing device of the sample. During the unsealing process, in order to prevent personnel from contacting the sample and contaminating it, and also to prevent the potential harm to personnel and the earth's ecosystem caused by unknown life that may exist in the sample, before the sample is concluded to be harmless through biosafety assessment or before the sample is harmlessly treated, the entire sample is handled by unmanned operation to ensure the accuracy of the final scientific results.

[0049] Figure 1A block diagram of the structure of an automated disposal system for extraterrestrial samples returned by Class V restricted sampling provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The present invention provides an automated disposal system for extraterrestrial samples returned by Class V restricted sampling, the system comprising: a power supply and distribution, information acquisition and control subsystem 1, an extraterrestrial sample receiving subsystem 2, a first transfer channel 3, a returner ground isolation and sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem 4, a second transfer channel 5, a returner and on-orbit sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem 6, a third transfer channel 7, a sample tube unsealing and sample separation disposal subsystem 8, a fourth transfer channel 9 and a biosafety assessment disposal subsystem 10.

[0050] Among them, the extraterrestrial sample receiving subsystem 2 includes a first robotic arm 21 and a first conveyor belt 23. The first transfer channel 3 includes a first double-walled cabin 31, a first front sealed isolation door 32, a first rear sealed isolation door 33, a second conveyor belt 34, a first temperature control unit 35, a first pressure control unit 36, and a first gas distribution unit 37. The returner ground isolation and sealing device unsealing and disposal subsystem 4 includes a second double-walled cabin 41, a second temperature control unit 42, a second pressure control unit 43, a second gas distribution unit 44, an X-ray scanning unit 45, an isolation and sealing device outer surface disinfection unit 46, a ground isolation and sealing device unsealing unit 47, a returner outer surface disinfection unit 49, a second robotic arm 410, a third robotic arm 411, and a third conveyor belt 412. The second transfer channel 5 includes a third double-walled cabin 51, a second front sealed isolation door 52, a second rear sealed isolation door 53, a fourth conveyor belt 54, a third temperature control unit 55, a third pressure control unit 56, and a third gas distribution unit 57. The returner and on-orbit sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem 6 includes a fourth double-walled cabin 61, a fourth temperature control unit 62, a fourth pressure control unit 63, a fourth gas distribution unit 64, a returner unsealing unit 65, a sealed container surface disinfection unit 67, a sealed container unsealing unit 68, a sample container surface disinfection unit 610, a fourth robotic arm 611, a fifth robotic arm 612, and a fifth conveyor belt 613. The third transfer channel 7 includes a fifth double-walled cabin 71, a third front end sealed isolation door 72, a third rear end sealed isolation door 73, a sixth conveyor belt 74, a fifth temperature control unit 75, a fifth pressure control unit 76, and a fifth gas distribution unit 77. The sample tube unsealing and sample disposing subsystem 8 comprises a sixth double-walled cabin 81, a sixth temperature control unit 82, a sixth pressure control unit 83, a sixth gas distribution unit 84, a sample container unsealing unit 85, a sample dispensing unit 86, a sample storage unit 87, a sample destruction unit 88, a sixth robotic arm 89, a seventh robotic arm 810, an eighth robotic arm 811, and a seventh conveyor belt 812. The fourth transfer channel 9 comprises a seventh double-walled cabin 91, a fourth front end sealed isolation door 92, a fourth rear end sealed isolation door 93, an eighth conveyor belt 94, a seventh temperature control unit 95, a seventh pressure control unit 96, and a seventh gas distribution unit 97. The biosafety assessment and disposal subsystem 10 comprises an eighth double-walled cabin 101, an eighth temperature control unit 102, an eighth pressure control unit 103, an eighth gas distribution unit 104, a microorganism detection unit 105, a biosafety assessment unit 106, a detection sample destruction unit 107, a ninth robotic arm 108, and a ninth conveyor belt 109.

[0051] Before receiving extraterrestrial samples, the automated disposal system for extraterrestrial samples returned by Class V restricted sampling is in the initial state. The returner ground isolation sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem 4, the returner and on-orbit sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem 6 and all transfer channels are filled with high-purity sterile nitrogen. The sample tube unsealing and sampling disposal subsystem 8 is filled with simulated Martian atmosphere through the sixth gas distribution unit 84, and the biosafety assessment disposal subsystem 10 is filled with high-purity clean air through the eighth gas distribution unit 104. The interlayer of the double-wall cabin of all subsystems and transfer channels is a high pressure of 2atm, so as to prevent cross-contamination between the external environment and the cabin. The temperature control unit and the pressure control unit control the temperature of their respective subsystem cabin sections and transfer channels, and the temperature of each cabin section is controlled at 20℃±1℃. The internal pressure of the returner's ground isolation and sealing device unsealing and disposal subsystem 4, the returner and in-orbit sealing device unsealing and disposal subsystem 6, and the biosafety assessment and disposal subsystem 10 is controlled at 1 Earth standard atmosphere; the internal pressure of the sample tube unsealing and sampling disposal subsystem 8 is controlled at 1 Mars standard atmosphere; the regulation of the pressure in all transfer channels is related to the extraterrestrial sample disposal stage.

[0052] When receiving extraterrestrial samples, the returner ground isolation sealing device 22 is first transported to the entrance of the first transfer channel 3 by the second conveyor belt 34. After the environmental parameters such as gas, pressure and temperature of the first transfer channel 3 are adjusted to be consistent with the external environment, the first front end sealed isolation door 32 of the first transfer channel 3 is opened, and the first robotic arm 21 transfers the returner ground isolation sealing device 22 to the second conveyor belt 34 in the first transfer channel 3. After the transfer is completed, the first front end sealed isolation door 32 is closed. After the environmental parameters of the first transfer channel 3 are adjusted to be the same as those of the returner ground isolation sealing device unsealing and disposal subsystem 4, the first rear end sealed isolation door 33 is opened, and the second robotic arm 410 transfers the returner ground isolation sealing device 22 to the third conveyor belt 412 in the returner ground isolation sealing device unsealing and disposal subsystem 4. First, the X-ray scanning unit 45 scans the returner ground isolation sealing device 22 to determine whether the internal returner and the extraterrestrial sample packaging are damaged or leaking. After confirming that it is safe and leak-free, the returner ground isolation sealing device 22 is sent to the isolation sealing device outer surface disinfection unit 46 to clean and disinfect the outer surface of the returner ground isolation sealing device 22 to prevent the extraterrestrial sample from being contaminated by microorganisms on the outer surface of the returner ground isolation sealing device 22 during the subsequent unsealing process. After the cleaning and disinfection is completed, the returner ground isolation sealing device 22 is unsealed to obtain the returner 48; the returner will be contaminated after landing and contacting the ground, so the returner outer surface is disinfected and cleaned by the returner outer surface disinfection unit 49.

[0053] After the environmental parameters such as gas, pressure and temperature of the second transfer channel 5 are consistent with those in the cabin of the returner ground isolation sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem 4, the second front end sealed isolation door 52 of the second transfer channel 5 is opened, and the third robotic arm 411 transfers the returner 48 to the fourth conveyor belt 54 in the second transfer channel 5. After the transfer is completed, the second front end sealed isolation door 52 is closed. After the environmental parameters of the first transfer channel 3 are adjusted to be the same as those of the returner and the on-orbit sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem 6, the second rear end sealed isolation door 53 is opened, and the fourth robotic arm 611 transfers the returner 48 to the fifth conveyor belt 613 in the returner and the on-orbit sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem 6. First, the returner is unsealed by the returner unsealing unit 65 to obtain a sealed container 66, and the surface of the sealed container 66 is cleaned and disinfected by the sealed container surface disinfection unit 67, and then unsealed by the sealed container unsealing unit 68 to obtain a sample container 69. When encapsulating samples on the surface of an alien planet, the surface of the sample container 69 may be contaminated with extraterrestrial substances, posing a biosafety risk; therefore, the sample container surface disinfection unit 610 cleans and disinfects the surface of the sample container 69 .

[0054] After the environmental parameters of the transfer channel 7, such as gas, pressure and temperature, are adjusted to be consistent with the returner and the on-track sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem 6, the third front end sealed isolation door 72 of the transfer channel 7 is opened, and the fifth robotic arm 612 transfers the sample container 69 to the sixth conveyor belt 74 in the transfer channel 7. After the transfer is completed, the third front end sealed isolation door 72 is closed. After the environmental parameters of the transfer channel 7 are adjusted to be the same as those of the sample tube unsealing and sample separation disposal subsystem 8, the third rear end sealed isolation door 73 is opened, and the sixth robotic arm 89 transfers the sample container 69 to the seventh conveyor belt 812 in the sample tube unsealing and sample separation disposal subsystem 8. The sample container unsealing unit 85 unseales the sample container 69, and after unsealing, the sample packaging unit 86 packages it into samples to be tested for biosafety 861 and samples to be stored 862.

[0055] After the environmental parameters such as gas, pressure and temperature of the transfer channel 9 are adjusted to be consistent with the external environment, the fourth front end sealed isolation door 92 of the transfer channel 9 is opened, and the eighth robotic arm 811 transfers the sample 861 to be tested for biosafety to the eighth conveyor belt 94 in the transfer channel 9. After the transfer is completed, the fourth front end sealed isolation door 92 is closed. After the environmental parameters of the transfer channel 9 are adjusted to be the same as those of the biosafety assessment and disposal subsystem 10, the fourth rear end sealed isolation door 93 is opened, and the eighth robotic arm 811 transfers the sample 861 to be tested for biosafety to the ninth conveyor belt 109 in the biosafety assessment and disposal subsystem 10. The microbial detection unit 105 detects the sample 861 to be tested for biosafety, and then the biosafety assessment unit 106 performs relevant biosafety experiments, and combines the detection results with the results of the biosafety experiment to determine whether the extraterrestrial sample poses a biosafety threat to the earth. If there is no threat, the sample storage unit 87 in the sample tube unsealing and sampling disposal subsystem 8 stores the samples 862 to be stored; if there is a threat, the detection sample destruction unit 107 destroys the biosafety detection samples 861, and the sample destruction unit 88 in the sample tube unsealing and sampling disposal subsystem 8 destroys the extraterrestrial samples to ensure the biological safety of the earth.

[0056] Biosafety assessment mainly includes two parts: detection of organisms and their metabolites and biological experiments. In order to ensure the originality of the samples, the biosafety assessment of extraterrestrial samples will try to use minimally invasive analysis methods as much as possible. The detection of organisms and their metabolites can be divided into five categories of detection objects: (a) Element and isotope detection: carbon-based metabolic elements similar to life forms on Earth; (b) Organic matter detection: detection of possible deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), proteins, polysaccharides, lipids and other macromolecular organic matter through in situ minimally invasive analysis methods; (c) Earth-similar life forms: polymerase chain reaction (PCR), high-throughput sequencing and other methods to determine whether there are traces of life; (d) Cultivation of organisms (microorganisms): cultivation of organisms under conditions similar to the environment of known extraterrestrial planets (or environmental conditions that existed in the history of extraterrestrial planets), with the cumulative health standard of specific organic macromolecules; (e) Detection of non-Earth-similar life forms: under the assumption that they are still carbon-based organisms, the chemical complexity and characteristic distribution of samples are studied (including the proportion of different elements, repeating units in macromolecules, etc.). Biological experiments directly evaluate the hazards to Earth model organisms, mainly by co-incubating or contacting a portion of the samples with representative Earth model organisms to observe the impact of Martian samples on Earth life. Through repeated testing of multiple samples at multiple time points, the biological safety of the samples is evaluated through measurement results and statistical methods.

[0057] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0058] The above describes the specific embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above specific embodiments, and those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, which does not affect the essence of the present invention. In the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other arbitrarily.

Claims

1. An automated extraterrestrial sample handling system suitable for Class V restricted sampling return, characterized in that: include: Extraterrestrial sample receiving subsystem (2), returner ground isolation sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem (4), returner and on-orbit sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem (6), sample tube unsealing and sample separation disposal subsystem (8) and biosafety assessment disposal subsystem (10); It also includes a first transfer channel (3), a second transfer channel (5), a third transfer channel (7) and a fourth transfer channel (9); the first transfer channel (3) is respectively connected to the extraterrestrial sample receiving subsystem (2) and the returner ground isolation and sealing device unsealing and disposal subsystem (4); the second transfer channel (5) is respectively connected to the returner ground isolation and sealing device unsealing and disposal subsystem (4) and the returner and on-orbit sealing device unsealing and disposal subsystem (6); the third transfer channel (7) is respectively connected to the returner and on-orbit sealing device unsealing and disposal subsystem (6) and the sample tube unsealing and sample separation disposal subsystem (8); the fourth transfer channel (9) is respectively connected to the sample tube unsealing and sample separation disposal subsystem (8) and the biosafety assessment disposal subsystem (10); The extraterrestrial sample receiving subsystem (2) receives the returner ground isolation sealing device (22) containing the extraterrestrial sample, transfers the returner ground isolation sealing device (22) to the returner ground isolation sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem (4), performs disinfection and unsealing treatment on the returner ground isolation sealing device (22) in the returner ground isolation sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem (4), obtains a returner (48), and then transfers the returner (48) to the returner and on-orbit sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem (6), and the returner and on-orbit sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem (6) unseals and disposes of the returner and the sealed container, and the unsealed sample container (69) is sent to the sample tube unsealing and sampling disposal subsystem (8), and a portion of the sample is taken out of the sample container (69) and enters the biosafety assessment disposal subsystem (10) to determine whether there is a biosafety hazard in the extraterrestrial sample.

2. The extraterrestrial sample automated disposal system suitable for Class V restricted sampling return according to claim 1, characterized in that: The extraterrestrial sample receiving subsystem (2) comprises a first robotic arm (21) and a first conveyor belt (23), wherein the first conveyor belt (23) conveys the extraterrestrial sample to the front sealed isolation door of the first transfer channel (3), and the first robotic arm (21) is used to transfer the extraterrestrial sample into the first transfer channel (3).

3. The extraterrestrial sample automated disposal system suitable for Class V restricted sampling return according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first transfer channel (3) comprises a first double-walled cabin (31), a second conveyor belt (34), a first front-end sealed isolation door (32) and a first rear-end sealed isolation door (33); the second conveyor belt (34) is used for the transmission of extraterrestrial samples, and the first front-end sealed isolation door (32) and the first rear-end sealed isolation door (33) are used for the transfer isolation of extraterrestrial samples between subsystems; The second transfer channel (5), the third transfer channel (7) and the fourth transfer channel (9) have the same structure as the first transfer channel (3).

4. The automated extraterrestrial sample handling system for Class V restricted sampling return according to claim 1, characterized in that: The returner ground isolation sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem (4) comprises a second double-wall cabin (41), an X-ray scanning unit (45), an isolation sealing device outer surface disinfection unit (46), a ground isolation sealing device unsealing unit (47) and a returner outer surface disinfection unit (49); The X-ray scanning unit (45) scans the returner ground isolation and sealing device and the interior of the returner to determine whether the extraterrestrial sample tube and the extraterrestrial sample are damaged or leaked during the sampling and packaging, returner landing, returner isolation and sealing process or during transportation; The isolation sealing device outer surface disinfection unit (46) cleans and disinfects the outer surface of the returner ground isolation sealing device; the returner ground isolation sealing device unsealing unit (47) unseals the returner ground isolation sealing device and removes the returner; the returner outer surface disinfection unit (49) disinfects and cleans the outer surface of the returner.

5. The extraterrestrial sample automated disposal system suitable for Class V restricted sampling return according to claim 1, characterized in that: The returner and on-orbit sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem (6) comprises a fourth double-walled cabin (61), a returner unsealing unit (65), a sealed container surface disinfection unit (67), a sealed container unsealing unit (68), and a sample container surface disinfection unit (610); The returner unsealing unit (65) unseals the returner and takes out the sample container in the returner; the sealed container surface disinfection unit (67) cleans and disinfects the sealed container; the sealed container unsealing unit (68) unseals the sealed container and takes out the sample container in the sealed container; the sample container surface disinfection unit (610) disinfects and cleans the surface of the sample container.

6. The automated extraterrestrial sample handling system for Class V restricted sampling return according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample tube unsealing and sample disposition subsystem (8) comprises a sixth double-walled cabin (81), a sample container unsealing unit (85), a sample dispensing unit (86), a sample storage unit (87) and a sample destruction unit (88); The sample container unsealing unit (85) is used to unseal the sample container and remove the sample tube and sample bag in the sample container; the sample packaging unit (86) is used to package samples of different types, sizes and quantities and to package biosafety test samples; the sample storage unit (87) is used to classify and store samples after biosafety assessment has been conducted to determine that there is no safety risk; and the sample destruction unit (88) is used to destroy samples after biosafety assessment has been conducted to determine that there is no safety risk.

7. The extraterrestrial sample automated disposal system suitable for Class V restricted sampling return according to claim 1, characterized in that: The biosafety assessment and disposal subsystem (10) comprises an eighth double-walled cabin (101), a microbial detection unit (105), a biosafety assessment unit (106), and a detection sample destruction unit (107); The microorganism detection unit (105) is used to detect whether there are life forms brought from extraterrestrial sources in the sample; the biosafety assessment unit (106) is used to assess the biosafety of the test sample, thereby determining whether the extraterrestrial sample will endanger the safety of the earth's ecosystem; and the test sample destruction unit (107) is used to destroy all test samples when the biosafety assessment result indicates that there is a safety risk.

8. The extraterrestrial sample automated disposal system suitable for Class V restricted sampling return according to claim 1, characterized in that: The returner ground isolation sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem (4), the returner and on-orbit sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem (6), the sample tube unsealing and sample separation disposal subsystem (8), the biosafety assessment disposal subsystem (10), and the first transfer channel (3), the second transfer channel (5), the third transfer channel (7), and the fourth transfer channel (9) all have double-wall structures, and the air pressure in the double-wall interlayer is higher than the pressure inside and outside the cabin.

9. The automated extraterrestrial sample handling system for Class V restricted sampling return according to claim 1, characterized in that: The returner ground isolation sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem (4), the returner and on-orbit sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem (6), the sample tube unsealing and sample separation disposal subsystem (8), the biosafety assessment disposal subsystem (10), and the first transfer channel (3), the second transfer channel (5), the third transfer channel (7), and the fourth transfer channel (9) all include a temperature control unit, a pressure control unit, and a gas distribution unit; The temperature control unit realizes the temperature control in the transfer channel, the pressure control unit is used to maintain the constant pressure in the channel, and the gas distribution unit is used to configure the gases of different components and concentrations required in different compartments and channels.

10. An automated method for handling extraterrestrial samples suitable for Class V restricted sampling return, based on the automated system for handling extraterrestrial samples suitable for Class V restricted sampling return according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: include: Step S1: before receiving the extraterrestrial samples, initializing and setting each subsystem in the extraterrestrial sample automatic disposal system applicable to Class V restricted sampling return; Step S2: After the environmental parameters of the first transfer channel (3) are adjusted to be consistent with the external environment, the first front end sealed isolation door (32) of the first transfer channel (3) is opened, and the first mechanical arm (21) is instructed to transfer the returner ground isolation sealing device (22) to the second conveyor belt (34). After the transfer is completed, the first front end sealed isolation door (32) is closed; Step S3: After adjusting the environmental parameters of the first transfer channel (3) to be the same as those of the returner ground isolation sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem (4), the first rear end sealing isolation door (33) is opened, and the returner ground isolation sealing device (22) is transferred to the third conveyor belt (412); Step S4: Scan the returner ground isolation sealing device (22) through the X-ray scanning unit (45) to determine whether the internal returner and the extraterrestrial sample packaging are damaged or leaking. After confirming that it is safe and leak-free, send the returner ground isolation sealing device (22) to the isolation sealing device outer surface disinfection unit (46) for cleaning and disinfection; unseal the returner ground isolation sealing device (22) to obtain the returner (48), and disinfect and clean the outer surface of the returner (48) through the returner outer surface disinfection unit (49); Step S5: After the environmental parameters of the second transfer channel (5) are consistent with those in the cabin of the returner ground isolation sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem (4), the second front end sealed isolation door (52) is opened, and the returner (48) is transferred to the fourth conveyor belt (54). After the transfer is completed, the second front end sealed isolation door (52) is closed; Step S6: After adjusting the environmental parameters of the second transfer channel (5) to be the same as those of the returner and the on-track sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem (6), the second rear end sealing isolation door (53) is opened to transfer the returner (48) to the fifth conveyor belt (613); Step S7: unsealing the returner (48) by the returner unsealing unit to obtain a sealed container (66), cleaning and disinfecting the surface of the sealed container (66) by the sealed container surface disinfection unit (67), and then unsealing the sealed container by the sealed container unsealing unit (68) to obtain a sample container (69); Step S8: After the environmental parameters of the third transfer channel (7) are adjusted to be consistent with the returner and the on-orbit sealing device unsealing disposal subsystem (6), the third front end sealed isolation door (72) is opened, and the sample container (69) is transferred to the sixth conveyor belt (74). After the transfer is completed, the third front end sealed isolation door (72) is closed; Step S9: After the environmental parameters of the third transfer channel (7) are adjusted to be the same as those of the sample tube unsealing and sample disposition subsystem (8), the third rear end sealed isolation door (73) is opened, and the sample container (69) is transferred to the seventh conveyor belt (812); the sample container unsealing unit (85) unseals the sample container (69), and after unsealing, the sample dispensing unit (86) dispenses the sample container to obtain a sample to be tested for biosafety (861); Step S10: After the environmental parameters of the fourth transfer channel (9) are adjusted to be consistent with the external environment, the fourth front-end sealed isolation door (92) is opened, and the sample to be tested for biosafety (861) is transferred to the eighth conveyor belt (94). After the transfer is completed, the fourth front-end sealed isolation door (92) is closed; after the environmental parameters of the fourth transfer channel (9) are adjusted to be the same as those of the biosafety assessment and disposal subsystem (10), the fourth rear-end sealed isolation door (93) is opened, and the sample to be tested for biosafety (861) is transferred to the biosafety assessment and disposal subsystem (10) for biosafety testing.

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