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Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 4)
In the search for preserved biomarkers on ancient Mars, there is no better molecular survivor than kerogen. Kerogen is a complex, refractory macromolecular class of polymers defined as the organic residue of sedimentary rocks that is demineralized and insoluble in organic solvents. Kerogen typically forms early during sedimentary diagenesis and makes up the majority of the organic inventory of terrestrial and extraterrestrial materials. While most of the organics contained within samples are bound within kerogen structures, some are unbound, some can be bound to minerals (e.g., through sorption, occlusion, or aggregation; Kiel & Mayer, 2014), and these are also well preserved. Each kerogen molecule is unique and complex, consisting of smaller molecular fragments that can contain diagnostic information about their origin (biotic or abiotic) and diagenetic history. The high concentration and long-term preservation of kerogen and mineral-bound organics makes their characterization essential to understanding the organic chemistry and astrobiological potential of any planetary environment.
Due to the complex, cross-linked nature of kerogen, pyrolytic and/or chemolytic techniques are required in order to fragment kerogen and mineral-bound molecules into smaller, analyzable constituents. No planetary exploration instrument yet exists that can analyze kerogen constituents with fidelity to laboratory sample preparation techniques.
Our goal is to demonstrate, end-to-end, our breadboard at TRL-4 that accepts unprocessed regolith, mechanically processes/pulverizes these samples, releases kerogen and mineral-bound organics, and delivers analyzable molecular fragments to a downstream analytical system (e.g., GC-MS). Our objectives are to [1] Conduct an assessment of laboratory-based kerogen/mineral-bound organic matter protocols to determine system pressure and temperature requirements, heating and cooling ramp rates and dwell times, and necessity of using a strong acid or catalyst to liberate mineral-bound organics versus heat treatment alone. [2] Translate laboratory-based techniques and science requirements to design and construct a semi-automated breadboard that achieves at least 50% kerogen/mineral-bound organic matter extraction efficiency compared to established laboratory techniques. [3] Integrate and test sample-processing features nominally including pulverization, acid digestion, pyrolysis, and partial hydrogen gas thermal cracking. Approach/Methodology. In Year 1, we will evaluate laboratory-based techniques and determine a protocol that can feasibly be translated to a flight instrument. We will expand engineering requirements and key subsystem development. In Year 2, we will prototype designs and begin fabrication. The integrated breadboard will then be assembled and tested and cleanliness verified. We will leverage heritage ARC fluidic architectures for component selection. In Year 3, we will benchmark breadboard performance against traditional laboratory approaches using planetary analog samples. The final TRL of our system will be 4.
Relevance to Program Element Scope. This project will develop a life-detection technology utilizing a novel approach for NASA. KAMELOT is responsive to NASA PSD’s strategic goals and the Astrobiology strategy by analyzing a major repository of preserved organic matter on Mars and Small Bodies. Detecting origin-diagnostic organics is key in determining “what were the primordial sources of organic matter,” NASA’s highest-priority Planetary Science goal for Mars exploration 2013-2022. We are developing an instrument for future Discovery, Mars Exploration, or New Frontiers payloads.
Developing Instrument technology to improve measurements for future planetary science missions
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