Trial production of the S-type asteroid regolith simulator based on ordinary chondrites

<p indent="0mm"> The study of the physical and chemical properties of asteroid regolith is crucial for understanding the evolution of the solar system and advancing planetary exploration missions. However, the existing sampling and return missions are difficult to fulfill the requirements for comprehensive analysis of samples due to the high cost and long duration of the mission, and limited sample volumes. To address this challenge, the development of simulators has become a key alternative means, but the existing simulators have significant discrepancies in mineral assemblage, density, cohesion, friction angle, and spectral characteristics. In this study, a new type of asteroid regolith simulator (OCRS) was developed based on ordinary chondrites, aiming to enhance the simulation degree of the regolith with that of S-type asteroids, such as Itokawa. By comparitive analyzing the chemical composition, mineral assemblage, density <sc>(3.49 g/cm</sc>³), porosity (46.7%), cohesion, internal friction angle (41.3°), and spectral characteristics of the OCRS with the Itokawa return samples and Itokawa asteroid Regolith Simulator (IRS-1), we demonstrated that the OCRS closely resembled the regolith of S-type asteroids in key physical parameters (e.g., density error &lt;3%), and made up the deficiencies of troilite and iron-nickel metals in the IRS-1. Owing to the high fidelity in mimicking asteroid regolith, easy accessibility, and large-scale preparation, the OCRS provides reliable experimental materials for the simulation testing of asteroid landers, the optimization of sampling devices, and the evaluation of planetary defense technologies. This study highlights the unique advantages of meteorite-based simulators in planetary science and establishes a critical foundation for the standardized preparation and multi-scenario application of simulators in future research.