Knowledge of the mechanical behavior of planetary rocks is indispensable for space explorations. The scarcity of pristine samples and the irregular shapes of planetary meteorites make it difficult to obtain representative samples for conventional macroscale rock mechanics experiments (macro-RMEs). This critical review discusses recent advances in microscale RMEs (micro-RMEs) techniques and the upscaling methods for extracting mechanical parameters. Methods of mineralogical and microstructural analyses, along with non-destructive mechanical techniques, have provided new opportunities for studying planetary rocks with unprecedented precision and capabilities. First, we summarize several mainstream methods for obtaining the mineralogy and microstructure of planetary rocks. Then, nondestructive micromechanical testing methods, nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy (AFM), are detailed reviewed, illustrating the principles, advantages, influencing factors, and available testing results from literature. Subsequently, several feasible upscaling methods that bridge the micro-measurements of meteorite pieces to the strength of the intact body are introduced. Finally, the potential applications of planetary rock mechanics research to guiding the design and execution of space missions are environed, ranging from sample return missions and planetary defense to extraterrestrial construction. These discussions are expected to broaden the understanding of the microscale mechanical properties of planetary rocks and their significant role in deep space exploration.

中文翻译：

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行星岩石的微观力学测试和性能放大：批判性综述


了解行星岩石的机械行为对于太空探索是必不可少的。原始样本的稀缺和行星陨石的不规则形状使得很难获得用于传统宏观岩石力学实验 （macro-RME） 的代表性样本。这篇重要的评论讨论了微尺度 RME （micro-RMEs） 技术的最新进展以及提取机械参数的放大方法。矿物学和微观结构分析方法以及非破坏性机械技术为以前所未有的精度和能力研究行星岩石提供了新的机会。首先，我们总结了获得行星岩石矿物学和微观结构的几种主流方法。然后，详细综述了无损微力学测试方法、纳米压痕和原子力显微镜 （AFM），说明了原理、优势、影响因素和文献中可用的测试结果。随后，介绍了几种可行的放大方法，将陨石碎片的微观测量与完整物体的强度联系起来。最后，围绕行星岩石力学研究在指导太空任务设计和执行方面的潜在应用，从样本返回任务和行星防御到外星建造。这些讨论有望拓宽对行星岩石微观力学特性及其在深空探索中的重要作用的理解。