Triple Isotope Water Analyzer for Extraplanetary Studies

Los Gatos Research (LGR) proposes to employ Off-Axis ICOS to develop triple-isotope water analyzers for lunar and other extraplanetary exploration. This instrument will provide highly accurate quantification of dD, d18O, and d17O to better than ± 0.3 0/00, ± 0.1 0/00, and ± 0.15 0/00 respectively with minimal calibration or consumable standards. Moreover, due to the inherent benefits of Off-Axis ICOS, the analyzer will be selective, robust, and economical. In addition to being a strong candidate for extraplanetary exploration, the instrument will be deployed for field testing and research by scientists in NASA's Space Science and Astrobiology Division.

Recently, the Moon has been discovered to harbor large amounts of H2O ice. This ice is interesting for many reasons ranging from the practical to the scientific. The origin of this ice is unknown but there are seven sources that have been postulated: The Sun, the Earth, the Moon itself, comet impacts, asteroid impacts, interplanetary dust, and giant interstellar molecular clouds. Since each of these proposed sources have significantly differing isotopic values, high-precision measurements of water isotopes will help elucidate the origin and subsequent evolution of the lunar ice. Other potential NASA missions would also benefit from the proposed analyzer, including the Mars Mission, Europa-Jupiter System Mission, and Comet Sample Return Mission.

Besides its application to NASA, a compact, ultrasensitive water-isotope analyzer also has significant commercial applications for environmental research and medical diagnostics. A preliminary market analysis suggests 5-year revenue exceeding $20M for these two markets alone. The proposed work is essential in making these instruments more compact, rugged, and cost-competitive, and will thus enlarge the potential market size significantly.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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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