The purpose of COLLIDE is to gather data on particle impacts. This experiment will utilize beds of lunar soil simulant as targets for projectiles which will be launched at the soil at varying velocities (0.01 to 1.0 m/s). Six of these impacts will be performed, and two state-of-the-art digital cameras will be used to film the results. After a thorough analysis of the data, scientists should be able to better explain the dynamics between ring particles and the process of planetary accretion.

As can be seen in the pictures below, the basic configuration of COLLIDE involves two cameras, each looking at three boxes located at opposite ends of the GASCAN. Each of the boxes contain independent door and launcher mechanisms and also transparent upper surfaces to allow the camera to view each impact. The mechanical portion of COLLIDE is nearly completed, as can be seen in the current image below.

Once the space shuttle has reached orbit, an astronaut will activate the systems of the GASCAN. Once power is supplied to the experiment, a COLLIDE camera will be activated and doors covering the dust layers inside each box will be retracted one by one. A launcher will then fire a teflon ball at the dust layer using a muscle wire tripping mechanism. The subsequent impact will be recorded and the camera will be shut off. Again, another door is retracted and the impacts are recorded until all six collisions have been completed.

All component designs are being drafted entirely within a CAD package called Vellum. After proper engineering analysis has been performed, these parts will be fit-checked completely within the computer program before any construction begins. All machining work and assembly will be done at LASP.

Most of the electronics and battery system will be secured to the center plate of the experiment, which can be seen above. This plate will have a central opening just large enough to allow for proper camera views.

For a more in-depth look at the subsystems of COLLIDE, click on one of the following: