Hourglass Samples

A view of Hourglass samples including Lunar regolith simulants, Phobos simulants, Alumina beads, Mars regolith simulants, Toyoura sands and Slica sands. The Hourglass investigation examines the relationship between gravity and the behavior of granular materials such as regolith that covers the surface of planets and planetary-like bodies. Researchers observe various granular materials inside an hourglass and a measuring cylinder under different gravity conditions. Better understanding of the behavior of these materials supports the design of spacecraft for future missions landing on the surfaces of planets and other celestial bodies. (Image courtesy of: JAXA)

View of Hourglass samples including Lunar regolith simulants, Martian moons regolith simulants, Alumina beads, Mars regolith simulants, Toyoura sands and Slica sands. (Image courtesy of: JAXA)