Plasma Emission Spectroscopy for Planetary Geochemistry, Enabled by Robotic Arm-Mounted Laser Ablation Sampling

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Description

We propose to conduct a concept study on quantification of elemental abundances using laser ablation microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectroscopy (LA-MIP-OES) for in situ geochemistry of planetary surfaces. This analytical technique will incorporate a novel sampling method for rocky surface material by interfacing a sealable laser ablation sampling cell to a robotic arm, providing greater ease of sample selection than previous missions and concepts. This effort will establish calibration for the mass spectrometry analyses of the existing Pulsed Laser Ablation and Sampling Mass Analyzer (PLASMA) instrument, demonstrate a novel laser-based sampling method for planetary exploration, and greatly improve the competitiveness and selectability of a GSFC asset for CLPS and Artemis opportunities.

Benefits

Integrates LA-MIP-OES system with robotic arm for in-situ elemental analysis; Demonstrates capabilities for distinguishing between various rock types on planetary surfaces; Advances integrated instrument system to TRL 4 for Artemis and Mars mission applications

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > In Situ Instruments and Sensors > Atomic and Molecular Species Assessment
Program	Agency Independent Research and Development (A-IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2025-11-01
End date	2026-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Amy C Mcadam — amy.mcadam-1@nasa.gov
Benjamin J Farcy — benjamin.j.farcy@nasa.gov
Charles J Waduwarage Perera — charles.j.waduwarageperera@nasa.gov
Jacob D Graham — jacob.graham@nasa.gov
Walter F Smith — walter.f.smith@nasa.gov

How to get involved

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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