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The overall goal of this CIF project is to develop and demonstrate a micromachined ice-particle sampling array for direct capture and chemical analysis of plume materials ejected from Enceladus and Europa. Using arm-mounted or mast spacecraft deployment, ice samples are collected during flyby by direct contact allowing in situ chemical and biochemical profiling of plume materials. This work directly addresses both and science and technology gaps related to the collection of plume-ice samples, including the proposed Enceladus Life Signatures And Habitability (ELSAH) Mission. This CIF project will enable in situ chemical and biochemical analysis of captured ice particles during Icy World fly-by missions. This "capture-and-analyze-in-place" sampling technology is integrated with thermal on-demand solvent delivery for direct electrochemical analysis of captured soluble species. The sensor array is packaged as a solid-state system that generates, but does not carry, liquid solvents or liquid reagents. This solid-state capillary-based design results in a system with an extended-shelf life that is suitable for operation in extreme environments as a contact instrument that does not require (but is also compatible with) sample delivery from a spacecraft sample acquisition, processing, and handling system. Our integrated sample acquisition and measurement approach greatly simplifies science payload design and results in reduced payload volume, power, and mass for deployment on both flagship and piggyback missions.
Current payload concepts use complex sampling and instrument packages. Our approach provides contact sampling and analysis for direct in situ chemical and biochemical profiling of plume materials. Our integrated approach greatly simplifies payload design and results in reduced payload volume, power, and mass.
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