PLASMA: Pulsed Laser Ablation Sampling and Mass Analysis (PLASMA)

The chemistry of lunar materials, including surface and deep interior samples, record local, regional, and global scale processes and provide spatial and temporal context to the evolution of the Moon and the origin of economic mineral resources. Previous efforts to model the composition and internal structure of the Moon have come from the Apollo missions, laboratory studies of return samples, and orbital-based remote sensing. However, limitations exist to these methods, and new questions continue to emerge. The abundance and distribution of trace elements (ppmw-levels) coupled with radiometric systems (e.g., Rb-Sr) may hold the key to unlocking the Moon’s secrets. The community has identified multiple broad science goals that can be accessed via trace element systematics and radiometric chronology (Scientific Context for Exploration of the Moon, 2007), including: • The bombardment history of the inner solar system revealed from the Moon • The structure and composition of the Lunar interior • Lunar volcanism as a window into the thermal and compositional evolution of the Moon In addition, NASA Planetary Science Decadal Survey (Visions and Voyages, 2011) identified the critical science questions regarding the geologic history and chemical evolution of rocky planetary bodies to understand: • (Building New Worlds) - What governed the accretion, supply of water, chemistry, and internal differentiation of the inner planets? • (Solar System Workings) - How have the myriad chemical and physical processes that shaped the solar system operated, interacted, and evolved over time? Here, we propose to construct PLASMA, a miniature laser ablation (LA-) inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICPMS) to enable in situ measurements of trace elements in lunar surficial deposits. The LA-ICPMS technology developed here can analyze quantitatively the abundances of nearly every element in the periodic table (Li to U), including trace levels of long-lived radioactive elements (K, Th, U) that control the Moon’s heat flux, as well as critical metals of value to human exploration objectives, such as the first-row transition elements (Sc through Zn) and rare earth elements. Further, the mass spectrometer is equipped with a collision cell that enables access to Rb-Sr chronometry. The constraints provided by these analyses address the high priority objectives of the community, while enabling insights into the chemical heterogeneity and thermal history of the Moon. The instrument package proposed here consists of an innovative multi-wavelength laser ablation system coupled with an ICPMS consisting of: • A quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) derived from the heritage design of the Sample Analysis on Mars (SAM); • An RF collision cell for separation of isobaric interferences via in-line chemical reaction; and, • A low-power plasma source capable of atomizing and ionizing input geologic material (developed through the SBIR Program). A prototype of the ICPMS system that operates under laboratory conditions (entry TRL 4) has been assembled through the PICASSO Program. This DALI effort will adapt ths instrument for the rigors of spaceflight and operations on the lunar surface, and mature the technology by building a high-fidelity engineering unit that meets flight specifications (form, fit, and function) and passes vibration and thermal testing to validate performance (exit TRL 6). This project addresses objectives of the DALI Program, specifically "new technologies that significantly improve instrument measurement capabilities for lunar science missions...including expected commercial ventures and NASA’s Artemis Program." The instrument can be accommodated by a multitude of small lunar landers designed through the CLPS Program. The high-fidelity engineering unit produced through this effort can be converted to a flight model with only electronics maturation required.

Developing Instrument or spacecraft technology to improve measurements for future lunar missions

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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