Mars Organic Molecule Analyser

Edit links
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Mars Organic Molecule Analyser
Manufacturer
ESA
Launch date2028 (planned)

The Mars Organic Molecule Analyser (MOMA) is a

mass spectrometer-based instrument on board the Rosalind Franklin rover to be launched in 2028 to Mars on an astrobiology mission.[1][2] It will search for organic compounds (carbon-containing molecules) in the collected soil samples. By characterizing the molecular structures of detected organics, MOMA can provide insights into potential molecular biosignatures. MOMA will be able to detect organic molecules at concentrations as low as 10 parts-per-billion by weight (ppbw).[1]
MOMA examines solid crushed samples exclusively; it does not perform atmospheric analyses.

The Principal Investigator is Fred Goesmann, from the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Germany.[1]

Overview

The goal of MOMA is to seek signs of past life on Mars (biosignatures) by analysing a wide range of organic compounds that may be found in drilled samples acquired from 2  meters below the Martian surface by the Rosalind Franklin rover. MOMA examines solid crushed samples only; it does not perform atmospheric analyses.

MOMA will first volatilize solid organic compounds so that they can be analysed by a

GC-MS columns. The identification of the organic molecules is then performed with an ion trap mass spectrometer.[3][4]

Organic biosignatures

While there is no unambiguous Martian biosignature to look for, a pragmatic approach is to look out for certain molecules such as

hopanoids.[4]

Background organics

The surface of Mars is expected to have accumulated significant quantities of large organic molecules delivered by interplanetary dust particles and carbonaceous meteorites.[4] MOMA's characterization of this fraction, may determine not only the abundance of this potential background for trace biomarker detection, but also the degree of decomposition of this matter by radiation and oxidation as a function of depth.[4][5] This is essential in order to interpret the samples' origin in the local geological and geochemical context.[5]

Development

The components of MOMA related to GC-MS have heritage from the

perchlorates, known to be abundant on the surface of Mars.[1][5] Tandem mass spectrometry can then be used to further characterize these molecules.[1]

The

LISA and LATMOS. The UV-Laser is being developed by the Laser Zentrum Hannover.[4] MOMA does not form a single compact unit, but is modular with numerous mechanical and thermal interfaces within the rover. The final integration and verification will be performed at Thales Alenia Space
in Italy.

Parameter Units/performance[8]
Mass 11.5 kg (25 lb)
Power Average: 65 W
Maximum: 154 W
Operational
temperature		 −40 °C  to +20 °C
Sensitivity Organics present at ≥10 ppb [1]
GC ovens 32 (20 for pyrolysis/EGA, 12 for derivatization)
Max temperature: 850 °C for pyrolysis/EGA, 600 °C for derivatization
Sample volume up to 200 mm3 crushed sample per oven
Laser UV (λ = 266 nm)
Pulse energy: 13–130 μJ
Pulse duration: <2.5 nanosecond
Spot size: ≈400 μm
Mass spectrometer (MS) Mass range: 50–1000 
u

Mass isolation: ±5 u

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h MOMA - Mars Organics Molecule Analyser. European Space Agency. 25 August 2017.
  2. doi:10.1146/knowable-050323-1
    . Retrieved 9 May 2023.
  3. ^ Vago, Jorge; Witasse, Olivier; Baglioni, Pietro; Haldemann, Albert; Gianfiglio, Giacinto; et al. (August 2013). "ExoMars: ESA's Next Step in Mars Exploration" (PDF). Bulletin (155). European Space Agency: 12–23.
  4. ^
    PMID 31067288
    .
  5. ^ a b c Detecting Organics with the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) on the 2018 ExoMars Rover (PDF). H. Steininger, F. Goesmann, F. Raulin, W. B. Brinckerhoff, MOMA Team.
  6. ^ Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) onboard ExoMars 2018 (PDF). Harald Steininger.
  7. ^ Clark, Stephen (21 November 2012). "European states accept Russia as ExoMars partner". Spaceflight Now.
  8. ^ Table 1. Main Characteristics of the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer Instrument. ESA. 2017.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mars_Organic_Molecule_Analyser&oldid=1199548842"