Mars Deep Subsurface Exploration with an Integrated Drill and Instrument Suite

Investigating Mars via Penetration and Analysis with Coiled Tubing (IMPACT) is a next-generation subsurface access and analysis payload designed for landers and rovers to investigate the Martian subsurface down to$\mathbf{1 5}$meters. For deep subsurface access, IMPACT integrates coiled tubing and injector, pneumatic cuttings removal, and a bottom-hole assembly (BHA) equipped with a rotary-percussive drill and a suite of downhole science instruments for real-time subsurface compositional analysis. Leveraging core technologies advanced by Honeybee Robotics, including the LISTER lunar heat flow probe (TRL 9), RedWater Mars drill (TRL 6), and SMART lunar drill for downhole in situ analysis (TRL 6), IMPACT builds on proven technology heritage to deliver a robust solution. The system is designed to provide direct access to analyze stratigraphic layers, volatiles, and potential materials for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), overcoming the shallow penetration depths of previous missions. Its instrumentation suite enables in situ data collection on mineralogy, ice, and resource distributions at unprecedented depths, supporting critical investigations into Mars' geologic history, habitability, and resource potential. Initial development and early test results highlight IMPACT's ability to advance both scientific discovery and future mission architectures, including long-duration operations and human exploration.