Methane Isotopes Analyzer for Enceladus Plume Flythrough

We propose a low SWaP Capillary Absorption Spectrometer (CAS) which has general applicability to a range of NASA missions with specific development for methane analysis during an Enceladus plume flythrough. The system will contain a Plume Capture and Delivery System (PCDS) which transports plume molecules to the CAS to be analyzed for 13C/12C carbon and D/H hydrogen isotope ratios. The CAS utilizes laser absorption spectroscopy in a proprietary hollow fiber gas cell to enable high-precision measurements with minimal sample volume, making it ideal for a plume flythrough. This proposed effort will specifically design a PCDS and develop the CAS further to strengthen the D/H analysis with the constraints of relatively low-abundance of deuterated methane, along with the need to also measure 13C/12C isotopes jointly. In addition, the proposed technology will enable a general and significant upgrade to the core CAS technology (CAS V2.0) with the development of a higher performance, modular, multi-laser design. Cassini’s visit to Enceladus returned novel measurements that left scientists hypothesizing that it could be habitable. However, more data must be taken before conclusions can be made. A flythrough mission is less invasive than a lander but poses a more difficult task to glean significant data. The Plume Capture and Delivery System (PCDS) and the Capillary Absorption Spectrometer (CAS) proposed here will be able to measure methane isotopes with minimal sample sizes during a plume flythrough, returning high precision data for understanding Enceladus’s methane origin: is it from microbials? The overall objective is the advancement of novel isotope and trace gas sensing technology with two thrusts (1) a general increase in the performance and capabilities and (2) a specific increase in the TRL for methane isotope analysis in a plume flythrough. Phase II will push the CAS technology forward on multiple fronts resulting in a significantly upgraded CAS system, i.e., CAS V2.0. While the development will be focused a new tool for NASA planetary missions, resulting sensors will also have general applicability to a wide range of applications. These sensors would enable measurements where sample is limited and/or where there are constraints on system size, weight, and power. Improve general CAS capabilities with new electronics, modular/multi-laser optics, and advanced data processing routines Produce a new multi-species prototype analyzer, test and demonstrate (CAS V2.0) Raise the TRL for an Enceladus plume flythrough mission including development and testing of plume capture and delivery prototype integrated with a CAS (System TRL 5) Develop NASA Insertion plan and commercialization path, including: Deliver a prototype CAS sensor to NASA Demonstrate commercially viable device to potential customers.

Isotope-ratio analysis is a powerful tool to elucidate planetary systems. CAS is a novel technology that analyzes small sample amounts to produce high precision data enabling isotope measurement in a flythrough environment where the sample is extremely limited. For example, measurements of methene isotope ratios in a plume of Enceladus can provide insight into the possibility of life below the surface. In addition, the low sample-volume, sensitive, and low SWaP instrument can be appealing for a wide range of NASA lunar and planetary missions. By expanding the CAS capability to measure D/H ratios in methane, the technology will be attractive for a range of environmental sensing and energy applications. In addition, the lower size, weight, power, AND cost is appealing as an alternative to isotope ratio mass spectrometry for commercial applications including pharmaceuticals, food provenance, and forensics.

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