Figure 1: Schematic of the gas chromatograph coupled with a version of MBTOF. Background
Figure 1: Schematic of the gas chromatograph coupled with a version of MBTOF. The purpose of this project is to integrate and test the latest generation of multi-bounce time-of-flight (MBTOF) mass spectrometer at a system level with hardware developed at SwRI. This integration comprises the ground support equipment, software components, digital acquisition processor, ultra-stable high-voltage power supplies, ion extraction pulsers, timing, and acquisition with calibration techniques for mass assignment. These activities have supported proposals for demonstrating new research applications of MASPEX within NASA's New Frontiers program and most recently NASA’s Instrument Concepts for Europa Exploration 2 (ICEE-2) program.
Approach
The major approach of this project is to demonstrate capabilities of MASPEX that extend beyond the orbiter/flyby Europa Clipper mission for which it has already been selected. One of the major goals to complete the project is to demonstrate the ability of hyphenated technology, specifically gas chromatography and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) coupled with MASPEX. We are currently working on this task to produce a coupled gas chromatograph with a version of MBTOF (Figure 1). We plan to use experimental results from this effort to produce a publication expressing the importance of GC-MS and GC×GC-MS in analytical capabilities for lander technologies for future landed planetary missions. This publication will serve as a strategic tool in future lander mission proposals of opportunity.
Accomplishments
Many accomplishments have been achieved since the 2017 IR synopsis:
Proof-of-principle amino acid analysis with MBTOF with a heated capillary inlet line for direct infusion into MBTOF.
Development of a heated transfer line for solid phase microextraction (SPME) direct injection (desorption) of amino acids.
Development of preliminary designs of a folded ion optics path time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer of small size and mass that is suitable for the Europa Lander mission.
Submission of the MAss Spectrometer for Planetary EXploration – ORganic Composition Analyzer (MASPEX-ORCA) to Instrument Concepts for Europa Exploration-2 (ICEE-2).