HEXFlow Signal — Mars Freeze-Thaw Hydraulics for Local Actuation and Reserve Signalling

This conceptual white paper describes a proposed Mars surface module that would use daytime heating to thaw a sealed water charge and nighttime freezing to produce a short hydraulic stroke. The primary applications are intermittent clamping, sealing, latching and mechanical status indication. A secondary embodiment, HEXFlow Signal LAMP, explores whether stored hydraulic work could power a low-duty guide light during a primary power outage. The paper presents screening calculations for mechanical work and signalling energy, alongside proposed tests for thermal reset and usable output. No prototype measurements are reported.