Multiscale Characterization of an Ordinary Chondrite Reveals Scale-Dependent Properties and Pore-Controlled Fragmentation

Meteorites are samples of asteroids, making their mechanical characterization necessary for planetary defense, in situ resource utilization, and mission design. Many ordinary chondrites, the most common meteorites on Earth, contain a fine-grained clastic matrix of weakly bound mineral fragments. Here, we investigate the H3-4 brecciated ordinary chondrite Zhob using microstructural characterization, multiscale indentation, friability testing, and pycnometry. Imaging reveals a porous matrix of angular silicate fragments supporting chondrules, metal, and sulfides within a pervasive fracture network. Nanoindentation shows grain-scale heterogeneity, whereas microindentation yields lower, more uniform properties due to averaging over pores and weak grain boundaries. Friability experiments demonstrate that fragmentation preferentially follows pre-existing fractures, producing fragment sizes consistent with in situ grain scales. These results indicate that mechanical behavior is controlled by porosity and weak intergranular bonding, implying that S-type asteroid materials are mechanically weak, prone to low-energy disaggregation, and likely to generate fine debris during excavation. Five datasets are included that accompany the paper entitled "Multiscale Characterization of an Ordinary Chondrite Reveals Scale-Dependent Properties and Pore-Controlled Fragmentation": the raw WDS data files, indentation data for both nano- and microindentation, images (including BSE/SE and optical images), raw friability data, the run-by-run pycnometry data, and indentation data for microindentation of Djati-Pengilon.