Microfluidic Wet Chemistry Laboratory (mWCL) for Assessing Habitability of Ocean Worlds by Analysis of Surface or Plume Samples

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The goal of this proposal is to develop and demonstrate at TRL 6 a redesigned and matured version of the Phoenix Wet Chemistry Laboratory (WCL) that would enable the determination of the habitability of subglacial aqueous environments at icy/ocean worlds. To achieve this goal, the objectives include redesigning the WCL beaker to fit into a small form factor and operate with microliter volumes provided by a microfluidic flow-through system, the ability to withstand the temperatures and radiation during an 10-year cruise and operations, and the ability to operate in a zero-gravity environment. The mWCL will be able to accept samples from either the surface or plumes and then, by analyzing the ionic species and other parameters, determine the fundamental chemical energy and redox gradients, geochemistry, subglacial ocean chemistry, and thus the habitability of these icy/ocean worlds. METHODOLOGY In fulfilling the objectives of the proposal we aim to maintain the high heritage TRL 9 spaceflight-qualified/proven ion-selective sensors at the heart of the Phoenix WCL. These sensors will be able to characterize the aqueous chemistry of icy moon targets by determining the presence and concentrations of soluble components including; Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl-, Br-, NH4+, SO42-, NO3-, CO2 (g) and O2 (g) and other dissolved gases, and chemical properties including pH, reduction-oxidation potential, alkalinity, and conductivity. The working concept for this sensor system draws on the flight proven success of the Phoenix WCL, and a research team that includes the developers of that highly successful technology. This proposal represents a significant advance in measurement capabilities because it allows proven technology to be applied to new sampling environments. The proposal team is uniquely qualified to develop the new mWCL, and includes several members of the Phoenix WCL team, including the WCL Lead Scientist, and the NASA Ames team members with spaceflight experience and integrated microfluidic architectures. RELEVANCE The mWCL addresses the COLDTech program goals by developing and providing an instrument in support of exploration of ocean worlds such as Enceladus and Europa. The mWCL will combine the ability of the heritage TRL 9 Phoenix WCL sensors with a microfluidic capability and an interface to sample processing system. It will provide unique information not easily attainable through other analytical techniques (e.g., XRD or GCMS) and provide the only way to fully understand the geochemistry, subglacial ocean chemistry, and thus habitability of the icy/ocean worlds. Only the mWCL can directly measure the ionic chemistry, redox state, and pH, of surface materials or plume particles to understand the aqueous chemistry of the subsurface oceans and whether they have the potential to support life as we know it. The proposed effort will reduce the technical risk of proposing mWCL for future New Frontiers or other opportunities. As described in the COLDTech announcement, mWCL will be capable of "assessing habitability". The mWCL directly addresses NASA, SMD, and COLDTech program goals by providing unique analytical capabilities for flyby/orbital missions, or with appropriate sample delivery, surface missions, to such targets as Enceladus or Europa.

Developing Instrument or spacecraft technology to improve measurements for future planetary science missions

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