A5061123123- Mass Spectrometry Techniques and Applications
- Astro and Planetary Science
- Planetary Science and Exploration
- Isotope Analysis in Ecology
- Laser-induced spectroscopy and plasma
- Analytical chemistry methods development
- thermodynamics and calorimetric analyses
- Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies
- Ion-surface interactions and analysis
- Origins and Evolution of Life
- Vitamin D Research Studies
- Scientific Research and Discoveries
- Light effects on plants
- Space Exploration and Technology
- Photoreceptor and optogenetics research
- Spaceflight effects on biology
- Astrophysics and Star Formation Studies
University of Bern
2022-2025
International Space Science Institute
2022-2025
Abstract The ORganics Information Gathering INstrument (ORIGIN) is a space-prototype laser desorption ionization mass spectrometer designed to analyze molecular biosignatures. Nucleobases, fundamental components of nucleic acids, have been found in carbonaceous meteorites and returned samples from the asteroid Ryugu, which suggest their extraterrestrial origin possibly significance prebiotic chemistry RNA world hypothesis. Therefore, future space missions should be equipped for situ...
Additive manufacturing of ion optical components for rapid prototyping in mass spectrometry. 3D printed reflectron shows similar performance to conventionally manufactured system.
The detection and identification of the building blocks life, from amino acids to more complex molecules such as certain lipids, is a crucial but highly challenging task for current future space exploration missions in our Solar System. To date, Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry has been main technology applied. Although it shown excellent performance laboratory research, not yet able provide conclusive answer regarding presence or absence signature extinct extant, exploration. In this...
Recent and past observations of chemical physical peculiarities in the atmosphere Venus have renewed speculations about existence life its clouds. To find signs Venusian life, a dedicated astrobiological space exploration mission is required, for this reason Life Finder currently being prepared. A will require specialized instruments to hunt biosignatures habitability indicators. In contribution, we present ORIGIN instrument, laser desorption/laser ablation ionization mass spectrometer. This...
Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are found on various planetary surfaces in the solar system. They proposed to play a role emergence of life, as molecules that important for biological processes could be derived from them. In this work, four PAHs (pyrene, perylene, anthracene, and coronene) were measured using ORganics Information Gathering INstrument system (ORIGIN), lightweight laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometer designed space exploration missions. contribution,...
Abstract In the search for extraterrestrial life, biosignatures (e.g., organic molecules) play an important role, of which lipids are one considerable class. If detected, these molecules can be strong indicators presence past or present, as they ubiquitous in life on Earth. However, their detection is challenging, depending on, e.g., instrument performance, well selected site. this contribution, we demonstrate that, using laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry, feasible. Using our...
We present a Laser-based Mass Spectrometer (LIMS) for the sensitive, chemical (elements, isotopes, and molecules) analysis of matter as an analytical instrument on landed spacecraft planetary surfaces identification signatures life, extinct or extant. Our LIMS system is compact, features simple robust operation, optimized detection among others. The can be part science payload rover suite supplied by common sample delivery system. reflectron-type time-of-flight mass spectrometer coupled to...
With NASA's emphasis on lunar exploration through the Artemis program, novel scientific objectives have been formulated to enhance our understanding of Solar System's historical context, particularly evolution Earth-Moon system. Simultaneously, establishment a permanent human presence Moon is proposed as primary objective within with achievement this goal hinging in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) materials. Effective ISRU needs methodologies for chemical analysis and selecting appropriate...
Space exploration missions devoted to the detection of life have visited various celestial bodies in our Solar System, particularly Mars (1). Observations and analyses conducted by orbiters, landers rovers provided insight into characteristics Martian geology paleoenvironment, suggesting a past aqueous process including both subsurface surface water (ocean lakes) (2). The activity on Mars’ surface, billions years ago, led precipitation sulfate minerals such as kieserite,...
In the search for life beyond Earth, icy moons Europa and Enceladus have been brought forward as most promising targets within our Solar System. Recently, Orbilander mission has gained significant interest it selected a NASA flagship mission1. This emphasises need reliable in-situ instrumentation capable of biosignature detection identification. In-situ must not only meet flight-capability requirements, but capabilities should extend single molecules or compound groups. Various groups...
The detection of biomolecules on Solar System bodies can help us to understand how life emerged Earth and may be distributed in our System. However, the chemical signatures planets or their moons is challenging. A variety parameters must considered, such as a suited landing site location, geological environmental processes favourable life, strategies, application appropriate sensitive instrumentation. In this contribution, recent results obtained using novel laser desorption mass...
Spectroscopic instruments were a part of payloads on orbiter and lander missions delivered vast data sets to explore minerals, elements molecules air-less rocky planets, asteroids comets global local scales. To answer current space science questions, the chemical composition planetary rocks soils at grain scale is required, as well measurements element (isotope) concentrations down per million or lower. Only mass spectrometric methods equipped with laser sampling ion sources can deliver...
Direct analysis of micrometer-scale features embedded in solid samples a wide chemical variety is an integral part many fields geo-, geobio-, and planetary sciences. Examples range from microscopic mineral inclusions meteoritic material, (e.g., zircons, CAIs, chondrules, etc.) to biological mineralogical host materials, e.g., (putative) fossils microbial species. In these use-cases, the determination element and/or isotope composition, specifically those minor or trace abundance, prime...
With NASA’s increased focus on exploration of our Moon within the Artemis program, new scientific goals have been formulated to expand knowledge history Solar System, including evolution Earth-Moon system. Additionally, establishing a permanent human presence has declared goal success which will inevitably depend in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) lunar material. In turn, successful ISRU requires methods capable analysing and selecting suitable materials in place. To support these...
Recently, it has become evident that icy moons in our solar system might constitute excellent targets for the search life beyond Earth. Both Europa and Enceladus are of high interest detection biosignatures, mainly due to putative presence all ingredients required form (as we know it), i.e., liquid water, an energy source, chemical ingredients. If is indeed present on these two bodies, molecular biosignatures may be preserved protected from radiative environment near surface ice. In situ...
<p>The presence of extinct or extant life on extraterrestrial Solar System Bodies is a high priority topic in space science. Reliable detection signatures poses many challenges, including the requirement for flight-capable instrumentation, meaning robust and simple. Furthermore, instrumentation should, ideally, be capable detecting different types biosignatures not limited to single compound group molecules. Several (groups of) compounds were listed as molecules interest NASA...