Now that ORT6 is over, and ORT7 is several weeks away, we are continuing to run tests for the various instruments. Last week and this week are dedicated to testing how effectively the RA can acquire and deliver samples to TEGA and MECA, using different materials. We have already done the very fine baghouse dirt (a few microns), and are in the process of testing a coarser grain (up to 3mm) as well as a rocky substance that requires the arm to using the RASP, or Rapid Active Sampling Package. This comprises the ISAD, or Icy Sample Acquisition Device. this is effectively a Dremel tool bit on the backside of the scoop that drills into the rock or ice sample, filling the scoop with (hopefully) enough sample to analyze. This testing goes under the category of Payload Verification and Validation (PVV). The RA has many requirements, meaning, lots of testing. We have started to do some testing with MECA as well, but I'll get into that in my next entry.

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