A Near-Space Rarefied Gas Sampler Based on Re-Entry Return and Cold Trap Adsorption

The middle atmosphere is the transition zone between the Earth and space, also known as 'near space'. The environment of it is similar to the atmospheric environment on the early Earth's surface. Clarifying the chemical reaction mechanisms in the middle atmosphere can provide key evidence for determining the formation and evolution of the early Earth's atmosphere. Due to the special characteristics of the middle atmosphere, balloon sampling and remote sensing detection technologies are not applicable. Therefore, aiming at the requirements of high-altitude rarefied middle atmosphere sampling, this paper proposes a sampling device carried by a rocket and released at high altitude, which can efficiently collect rarefied gas. The electronic control unit, thermal control unit and structural unit are designed in detail, and verified by simulation and test. The sampling device can sample gas at multiple points in the specified sampling area, and recover the collected gas samples after landing on the ground. This research provides a new solution for the development of high-altitude atmospheric sampling technology, and lays a foundation for subsequent practical application verification and improvement.