Hammer mechanism of the DLR Mars 'Mole'

Hammer mechanism of the DLR Mars 'Mole'
Hammer mechanism of the DLR Mars 'Mole'
The Mars Mole functions somewhat like a pile driver. A motor attached to a gearbox inside the Mole slowly compresses and then quickly releases a spring that drives a tungsten hammer against the interior of the Mole's tip, at a pace of one stroke every 3.7 seconds.