Ultra-low Sample Volume Capillary Absorption Spectrometer for Lunar Volatiles and Water Isotope Analysis (CAS)

Understanding the origin and cycling of volatiles on Earth’s moon is a high priority for lunar science and exploration. We will build directly on SBIR projects to develop a lunar volatile analyzer with the specific ability to measure water and carbon dioxide isotope ratios, moving the sensor concept from TRL 4 to TRL 6. The heart of the sensor is a trace-gas device that utilizes a low sample volume (< 1 ml), compact gas cell, in a concept we refer to as a Capillary Absorption Spectrometer (CAS). An analyte is drawn into a hollow 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 in the fiber, leading to a highly sensitive system with an ultra-compact size. The measurement approach is similar to the Tunable Laser Spectrometer (TLS) aboard the Curiosity Rover, yet the CAS can operate with orders of magnitude less sample. In the proposed effort we will develop a Lunar CAS (LuCAS) for in-situ H2O isotope analysis (Hydrogen: D/H and Oxygen: 18O/16O, 17O/16O) providing critical information on water provenance. We will complement this information with measurement of CO2 isotope ratios (Carbon: 13C/12C and Oxygen: 18O/16O) to further constrain models and answer questions related to lunar volatile origin, cycling, and processes. These measurements will directly address Planetary Science Decadal Survey and Artemis III Science Objectives including: Understanding planetary processes; Understanding the character and origin of lunar polar volatiles; Interpreting the impact history of the Earth-Moon system; and Revealing the record of the ancient sun and our astronomical environment. To increase the TRL, we will build directly on SBIR development, which is both pushing OKSI’s proprietary CAS technology forward, as well as developing a front-end sample handling system (SHS) in collaboration with Honeybee Robotics. In a current SBIR, we have demonstrated that the Water Isotope CAS system has sufficient accuracy and precision for scientific studies with relatively low memory and minimal sample requirements (< 1 micromole of water), the latter of which is particularly important for analyzing dry lunar regolith. In the proposed DALI effort, the OKSI/Honeybee team will utilize the expertise of NASA-Goddard scientists and engineers to help transition the technology from a lab prototype to a high fidelity TRL-6 system with form, fit, and function for in-situ lunar analysis. The main tasks will be: 1.Design and produce CAS + SHS brassboards 2.Perform tests to mitigate identified risks, down-select specific components, and validate measurement procedures (TRL 5) 3.Refine design and produce a higher fidelity integrated LuCAS prototype 4.Perform tests to demonstrate water and carbon dioxide isotope analysis from simulated regolith in a thermal-vacuum chamber (TRL6). The proposed effort is ideally suited for the DALI program, which has a stated goal to “…. develop and demonstrate science instruments for lunar missions to the point where they may be proposed in response to future announcements …“ While SBIR funding has been necessary in developing the technology and producing prototype systems, dedicated engineering resources, possible from a program such as DALI, are needed to bring the technology to flight readiness. At the end of the proposed effort the OKSI/Honeybee/Goddard team will have demonstrated a TRL 6 system for lunar volatile measurements capable of addressing scientific objectives of future NASA lunar missions with SWaP appropriate for a range of platforms including small commercial lunar landers. The device will also provide an example of a new analytical instrument with high performance and low sample requirements that is applicable to in-situ studies for a wide-range of planetary bodies (e.g., Mars, Ocean Worlds, Comets, plumes) and budget levels from Discovery to large strategic science missions.

Improved scientific instruments for future Lunar science 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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