In Situ Isotope Analyzer for Lunar and Planetary Science

We propose the development of a new instrumentation based on a concept for trace-gas and isotope analysis that utilizes a priority hollow fiber as a low-volume, compact gas cell. An analyte is drawn into the fiber, which has a reflective inner coating that guides a tunable laser beam to a detector. There is near unity overlap between the laser beam and the gas sample, leading to a highly sensitive system with an ultra-compact size. In Phase II, a prototype analyzer will be assembled, and measurements conducted to prove the performance of the novel instrument. The isotope analyzer will also be combined with a prototype sampling front-end to demonstrate a complete system in simulated conditions. A path towards NASA insertion for both lunar and other planetary applications will be developed. In parallel we will demonstrate the technology for commercial applications, targeting markets where the sensor can effectively fill a growing need for robust field-capable isotopic analyzers. Analysis of isotope ratios is a powerful approach to elucidating processes in planetary systems. Isotopic data can provide information on the potential source of water in the solar system (e.g., D/H ratio of comets and lunar water), as well as evidence for life beyond Earth (e.g., 13C/12C and 34S/32S on Mars and Ocean Worlds); however, new instrumentation is needed to better enable in-situ isotopic analysis on lunar and planetary bodies. In this project, we leverage recent develop of a new laser spectroscopic technique utilizing a hollow core fiber optic gas cell. The hollow fiber approach enables sensitive analysis requiring significantly less sample than other techniques. The fiber system is compact and robust in a relatively small size, weight, and power package appropriate for a range of mission sizes including Flagship as well as smaller Discovery missions. The overall objective of this SBIR project is to develop an isotopic analysis tool specifically for in-situ analysis in lunar and planetary applications. The project is designed to raise the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for NASA missions while also directly leveraging advances for commercial applications requiring low SWaP, robust systems.   The specific Phase II objectives are: Produce a high-performance water isotope analyzer with minimal sample requirements Produce a prototype sampling front-end and demonstrate the complete system Develop an insertion path into NASA missions and commercialize the technology.   The specific Phase II deliverable are: A complete water isotope sensor prototype Software to run the sensor and post-process the data Manual on prototype operation Periodic progress reports and a final report.

Isotopic data can provide information on the potential source of water in the solar system, as well as evidence for life beyond Earth. The development of the proposed in situ instrument is applicable to NASA’s planetary science goals summarized in the Planetary Decadal Survey. Such instruments and technologies will play a crucial role for NASA missions to various planetary bodies. This includes addressing two of NASA’s major themes: (1) understanding solar system beginnings and (2) searching for the requirements for life. Sensors resulting from this project will provide an extremely attractive alternative to isotope analyzers. The ability to obtain high-quality isotope data with a small SWaP sensor will be appealing for a range of environmental monitoring applications including but not limited to drone-borne sensing and unattended field monitoring.                     

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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