Isotopic fractionation recorded in planetary materials provides insights into physical, chemical, and/or potential biological processes occurring on Solar System bodies. As we enter into the next decades of planetary exploration, the crucial information revealed by isotopic compositions of rocky and icy samples mandates that next generation spaceflight instrumentation possess the capability to measure isotope ratios in situ with sufficient precision/accuracy to distinguish between such processes. In addition to identifying and fingerprinting complex organic materials with high accuracy and ultrahigh mass resolutions, laser desorption OrbitrapTM mass spectrometry (LD-O-MS) has the capability to determine the elemental and isotopic composition of solid planetary materials such as rock, regolith, organics, ice, etc. Here, we use a space-qualified LD-O-MS instrument comprising a 266 nm ultraviolet (UV) laser and Orbitrap mass analyzer ruggedized for planetary applications to investigate the stable isotopic composition of Ti and Zn metal plates. Based on the isotopic analyses, we constrain the performance of the CORALS instrument to sub per mille (%o) level accuracy and precision for Ti and at the per mille (%o) level for Zn. An LD-O-MS instrument is a versatile instrument capable of measuring the isotopic composition of a variety of planetary samples and would constitute a critical instrument in the exploration of various planetary bodies including but not limited to the Moon, Mars, Enceladus and other ocean or icy worlds, Ceres and other asteroids, and comets, thereby answering several high-priority questions pertaining to the formation and evolution of our Solar System.

RATIONALE:Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is a commonly used ion source for mass spectrometry-based chemical analysis of a wide range of materials. Traditional ICP ion sources use high power (> 1000 W) and significant gas flow (> 10 L/min), rendering them unsuitable for spaceflight, as they are too resource-intensive for planetary spacecraft. METHODS:To address the technology gap, we designed and developed a laser ablation microwave-induced plasma mass spectrometer (LA-MIP-MS) and experimentally validated the analytical performance of a prototype instrument capable of providing in situ analyses during planetary science missions. We developed a low-pressure plasma ion source and interfaced it to a heritage quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) to perform elemental and isotopic analysis of solid samples via laser ablation. The low power plasma ion source was generated at < 1 Torr (< 133 Pa) using 30 W of power and 50 mL/min of He. Analytes were introduced via laser ablation (266 nm); we report elemental abundances and isotopic ratios for Cu, Ni, and Fe metals. RESULTS:Our experiments confirmed quantification accuracy for stainless steel within 1.4-4% of values measured by x-ray fluorescence (XRF), with precision ranging from ±9.1 to 22% (2σm). Cu and Ni isotopic ratios were measured with ±0.8-3% (2σm) precision and reproducibility ranging from 0.12% to 11.8%. Measured limits of detection ranged from 21 ppmw for 57Fe to 780 ppmw for 54Fe, with limits of detection for Cr, Mn, and Ni below 240 ppmw. CONCLUSIONS:This technique adds to the roster of instrumentation available for planetary missions by enabling elemental and isotopic analysis with orders of magnitude less power and plasma gas relative to commercial ICP-MS systems. This work paves the way for low resource LA-MIP-MS instruments as a viable technique to be applied to a wide range of applications for terrestrial and spaceflight chemical analysis of geologic materials.

Mass spectrometers are powerful instruments that aim to identify unknown compounds via their mass-to-charge ratio and perform quantitative and semi-quantitative analysis. These instruments have been essential to space missions over the past several decades (e.g., Pioneer Venus, Viking, Galileo, Cassini, Mars Science Laboratory) with several more en route (e.g., JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (JUICE), Europa Clipper) or under development (e.g., Rosalind Franklin, Dragonfly). However, future missions targeting remote planetary bodies increasingly face limited data transmission rates and volumes, which limit the amount of information that can be sent back to Earth. These challenges highlight the need for onboard science autonomy to optimize science return. Machine learning (ML) and data science tools can significantly contribute to the development of science autonomy by enabling rapid interpretation and prioritization of science data. Yet, these efforts for planetary science applications are hindered by the scarcity of representative datasets for training models, especially for complex flight instruments. In this work, we build on our earlier science autonomy work using the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) instrument for the Rosalind Franklin (ExoMars) mission as a proof-of-concept. We investigate the generation of artificial mass spectra through “manual” augmentation techniques and evaluate their performance on mass spectrometer (MS) data using the laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDMS) mode of the flight-like MOMA engineering test unit (ETU). We implement basic transformation-based augmentation methods such as peak intensity randomization, peak shifting (by limited and realistic m/z values), etc. We assess their scientific integrity in collaboration with instrument experts and investigate how the inclusion of generated data affects the performance of ML algorithms for mass spectral analysis. We compare the performance of supervised learning models on predicting the chemical categories of new input mass spectra, both with and without augmented data, to evaluate the impact of these techniques. Our work provides guidelines for developing realistic augmented mass spectra without compromising scientific validity, while also contributing to the development of a mature framework for ML tools in MS data analysis, advancing science autonomy for existing and future planetary missions.

The Extraterrestrial Molecular Indicators of Life Investigation (EMILI) merges the complementary techniques of liquid-based capillary electrophoresis (CE), including laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and conductivity detection, and gas-based pyrolysis/ derivatization gas chromatography (GC) with a highly sensitive ion trap mass spectrometer (ITMS) to provide robust and complete detection and characterization of potential molecular biosignatures present on an ocean world. Breadboard versions of the three main subsystems of EMILI have recently been coupled together and provide a first look at the functionality and overall instrument performance of the complete system. A selection of results from this testing are presented here along with an outlook on the future development of EMILI.

The majority of planetary missions return only one thing: data. The volume of data returned from distant planets is typically minuscule compared to Earth-based investigations, volume decreasing further from more distant solar system missions. Meanwhile, the data produced by planetary science instruments continue to grow along with mission ambitions. Moreover, the time required for decisional data to reach science and operations teams on Earth, and for commands to be sent, also increases with distance. To maximize the value of each bit, within these mission time and volume constraints, instruments need to be selective about what they send back to Earth. We envision instruments that analyze science data onboard, such that they can adjust and tune themselves, select the next operations to be run without requiring ground-in-the-loop, and transmit home only the most interesting or time-critical data. Recent developments have demonstrated the tremendous potential of robotic explorers for planetary exploration and for other extreme environments. We believe that science autonomy has the potential to be as important as robotic autonomy (e.g., roving terrain) in improving the science potential of these missions because it directly optimizes the returned data. On- board science data processing, interpretation, and reaction, as well as prioritization of telemetry, therefore, comprise new, critical challenges of mission design. We present a first step toward this vision: a machine learning (ML) approach for analyzing science data from the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) instrument, which will land on Mars within the ExoMars rover Rosalind Franklin in 2023. MOMA is a dual-source (laser desorption and gas chromatograph) mass spectrometer that will search for past or present life on the Martian surface and subsurface through analysis of soil samples. We use data collected from the MOMA flight-like engineering model to develop mass-spectrometry- focused machine learning techniques. We first apply unsupervised algorithms in order to cluster input data based on inherent patterns and separate the bulk data into clusters. Then, optimized classification algorithms designed for MOMA’s scientific goals provide information to the scientists about the likely content of the sample. This will help the scientists with their analysis of the sample and decision-making process regarding subsequent operations. We used MOMA data to develop initial machine learning algorithms and strategies as a proof of concept and to design software to support intelligent operations of more autonomous systems in development for future exploratory missions. This data characterization and categorization is the first step of a longer-term objective to enable the spacecraft and instruments themselves to make real-time adjustments during operations, thus optimizing the potentially complex search for life in our solar system and beyond.

RationaleCharacterization of Regolith And Trace Economic Resources (CRATER), an Orbitrap™‐based laser desorption mass spectrometry instrument designed to conduct high‐precision, spatially resolved analyses of planetary materials, is capable of answering outstanding science questions about the Moon's formation and the subsequent processes that have modified its (sub)surface.MethodsHere, we describe the baseline design of the CRATER flight model, which requires <20 000 cm3 volume, <10 kg mass, and <60 W peak power. The analytical capabilities and performance metrics of a prototype that meets the full functionality of the flight model are demonstrated.ResultsThe instrument comprises a high‐power, solid‐state, pulsed ultraviolet (213 nm) laser source to ablate the surface of the lunar sample, a custom ion optical interface to accelerate and collimate the ions produced at the ablation site, and an Orbitrap mass analyzer capable of discriminating competing isobars via ultrahigh mass resolution and high mass accuracy. The CRATER instrument can measure elemental and isotopic abundances and characterize the organic content of lunar surface samples, as well as identify economically valuable resources for future exploration.ConclusionAn engineering test unit of the flight model is currently in development to serve as a pathfinder for near‐term mission opportunities.

The highly compact Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (LITMS), developed at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, combines Mars-ambient laser desorption-mass spectrometry (LD-MS) and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) through a single, miniaturized linear ion trap mass analyzer. The LITMS instrument is based on the Mars Organic Molecule Analyser (MOMA) investigation developed for the European Space Agency's ExoMars Rover Mission with further enhanced analytical features such as dual polarity ion detection and a dual frequency RF (radio frequency) power supply allowing for an increased mass range. The LITMS brassboard prototype underwent an extensive repackaging effort to produce a highly compact system for terrestrial field testing, allowing for molecular sample analysis in rugged planetary analog environments outside the laboratory. The LITMS instrument was successfully field tested in the Mars analog environment of the Atacama Desert in 2019 as part of the Atacama Rover Astrobiology Drilling Studies (ARADS) project, providing the first in situ planetary analog analysis for a high-fidelity, flight-like ion trap mass spectrometer. LITMS continued to serve as a laboratory tool for continued analysis of natural Atacama samples provided by the subsequent 2019 ARADS final field campaign.

Future planetary science instruments will be capable of producing far more data than can be transmitted back to Earth, potentially leaving valuable scientific data on a planet's surface. Instruments will need to carefully identify the subset of total data to be prioritized for return, as transmission of the full data volume, even after compression, will not be feasible. The concept of science autonomy, where instruments collect measurement data, perform selected science data analyses onboard, and then autonomously act upon those analyses through self-adjustment and tuning of instrument parameters, can be used to identify and produce an optimal and compact data set for return, maximizing the value of each bit returned to Earth. Furthermore, the selection of the next operation(s) to be run following preliminary measurements, without requiring ground-in-the-loop communication, increases mission efficiency and enables successful yet shorter duration missions to hazardous planetary environments. This capability allows missions to prioritize the most compelling or time-critical data, yielding a more efficient and productive scientific investigation overall. In this paper, we present our implementation using different machine learning (ML) techniques (i.e., clustering, classification) for analyzing science data from the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) instrument onboard the ExoMars rover Rosalind Franklin. MOMA is a dual-source (laser desorption and gas chromatography) mass spectrometer that will search for past or present life on the Martian surface and subsurface through analysis of soil samples. We use data collected from the MOMA flight-like engineering model to develop mass-spectrometry-focused ML techniques. This effort, in preparation for operating on Mars, is aimed at 1) helping the ExoMars science and operations team quickly analyze new data and support them in their decision-making process regarding subsequent operations and, 2) getting a better understanding of the challenges to enable science autonomy in future missions. We also present two significant challenges we faced in this development that are particular to space missions and will be common to most, if not all, robotic planetary missions. First, the lack of sufficient data volume from these unique and highly optimized instruments to train neural networks, and second the lack of sufficient results from the system to fully trust its output. To tackle the first challenge, we analyze the performance of ML algorithms after adding augmented data. We discuss adopting transfer learning techniques to fine-tune a NN trained on large amounts of commercial instrument data so that it can operate on our limited MOMA dataset. For the 'trust' challenge-as it is not always clear what we are looking for in planetary science-we must consider agile ML applications and demonstrate that these will not filter out potentially critical data. We will discuss our concept of a Trust Readiness Level for science autonomy akin to the NASA Technology Readiness Level. This initial project for advanced autonomy illustrates some key first steps of a longer-term objective to enable the spacecraft and instruments themselves to make real-time adjustments during operations as direct human oversight will not be possible for missions going further away in our solar system and beyond.

Studies of psychrophilic life on Earth provide chemical clues as to how extraterrestrial life could maintain viability in cryogenic environments. If living systems in ocean worlds (e.g., Enceladus) share a similar set of 3-mer and 4-mer peptides to the psychrophile Colwellia psychrerythraea on Earth, spaceflight technologies and analytical methods need to be developed to detect and sequence these putative biosignatures. We demonstrate that laser desorption mass spectrometry, as implemented by the CORALS spaceflight prototype instrument, enables the detection of protonated peptides, their dimers, and metal adducts. The addition of silicon nanoparticles promotes the ionization efficiency, improves mass resolving power and mass accuracies via reduction of metastable decay, and facilitates peptide de novo sequencing. The CORALS instrument, which integrates a pulsed UV laser source and an Orbitrap™ mass analyzer capable of ultrahigh mass resolving powers and mass accuracies, represents an emerging technology for planetary exploration and a pathfinder for advanced technique development for astrobiological objectives. Teaser: Current spaceflight prototype instrument proposed to visit ocean worlds can detect and sequence peptides that are found enriched in at least one strain of microbe surviving in subzero icy brines via silicon nanoparticle-assisted laser desorption analysis.

Laser desorption mass spectrometry (LDMS) enables in situ characterization of the organic content and chemical composition of planetary materials without requiring extensive sample processing. Coupled with an Orbitrap analyser capable of ultrahigh mass-resolving powers and accuracies, LDMS techniques facilitate the orthogonal detection of a wide range of biomarkers and classification of host mineralogy. Here an Orbitrap LDMS instrument that has been miniaturized for planetary exploration is shown to meet the performance standards of commercial systems and exceed key figures of merit of heritage spaceflight technologies, including those baselined for near-term mission opportunities. Biogenic compounds at area densities relevant to prospective missions to ocean worlds are identified unambiguously by redundant measurements of molecular ions (with and without salt adducts) and diagnostic fragments. The derivation of collision cross-sections serves to corroborate assignments and inform on molecular structure. Access to trace elements down to parts per million by weight levels provide insights into sample mineralogy and provenance. These analytical capabilities position the miniaturized LDMS described here for a wide range of high-priority mission concepts, such as those focused on life detection objectives (for example, Enceladus Orbilander) and progressive exploration of the lunar surface (for example, via the NASA Artemis Program). A miniaturized instrument comprising a pulsed UV laser system and an Orbitrap analyser enables the characterization of the organic content and chemical composition of planetary materials, supporting the science objectives of future planetary missions.

Introduction: The ESA ExoMars rover mission mainly focuses on the search for potential life-relevant molecules (large, non-volatile organic or biological molecules that suggest current or ancient prebiotic activity) at the Mars surface and near-subsurface. The Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) aboard the Rosalind Franklin rover will be a key analytical tool to provide chemical (molecular) information from solid samples collected by the rover. The characterization of the organic content in the sample is the main purpose of the instrument. The MOMA instrument comprises a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS) which offers the unique capability to analyze and identify a wide range of organic molecules, including species of interest for life and prebiotic chemistry. Here we present an evaluation of the performance of the instrument from the analysis of a full set of samples of interest for Mars, using the Engineering Test Unit of the GC and MS instruments. Method: The samples delivered to MOMA will be analyzed either by UV laser desorption/ionization ion trap mass spectrometry (LDI-ITMS) or pyrolysis gas chromatography ion trap mass spectrometry (pyr-GC-ITMS). Samples containing organic compounds previously detected by LDI-ITMS and/or pyr-GC-ITMS can undergo further analysis through reaction with chemical derivatization reagents before characterization. These reagents (MTBSTFA, DMF-DMA, or TMAH), stored inside sealed capsules, induce a chemical reaction with the sample (in particular with its organic compounds) enhancing the volatility of complex organic species. Due to the need to prevent organic contamination of the Flight Model (FM) and Spare Model (SM) of MOMA, it was not possible to perform extensive analytical tests on them. For that reason, a series of tests were performed by coupling the GC and the MS Engineering Test Units (ETU) which are very close replica of the FM on board the Exomars rover. The ETU GC (developed in France by LISA and LATMOS laboratories) was mated to the ETU ion trap mass spectrometer (developed in the USA by Goddard Space Flight Center) in a flight-like configuration (Fig. 1) for the coupling campaign. The MOMA GC ETU includes a tank filled with the carrier gas (helium), four separate analytical modules including columns and thermal conductivity detectors (TCDs) and two thermal injection traps. A homemade oven designed and built at LISA is used to mimic MOMA FM ovens. During the pyrolysis of the sample or after its chemical derivatization with one of the three reagents, the volatile compounds are injected and pre-concentrated in one of the traps. The trap is then flash-heated with a backflush carrier gas flow to release the trapped chemical species as quickly as possible into one of the GC columns. The GC column separates the different molecules. They are then ionized by the electron impact ionization source in the MS chamber and analyzed by the linear ion trap mass spectrometer. During the ETU campaign, the derivatization reagents (MTBSTFA, DMF-DMA, and TMAH) are added inside the oven by a syringe mimicking the release of reagent from the MOMA capsules. Figure 1: picture of the ETU gas chromatograph and the ETU MS ion trap. Samples: Several samples were studied during this campaign. Standard samples (standard gases, amino acids, carboxylic acids) were used to obtain the reference data. Then organic carbon-bearing natural and synthetic (mixing organic molecules and inorganic phases) Mars analog samples were analyzed, using both pyrolysis and derivatization as used in the MOMA instrument. These samples included JSC Mars-1, fragments of Murchison meteorite and synthetic samples composed of an organic-free mineral (vermiculite) doped with phenylalanine, phthalic acid and undecanoic acid. Also a synthetic “unknown” sample was used to run a blind analysis and to test the capability to identify a range of organic species under more realistic analytical conditions. This sample was used to simulate a day in the life of the instrument. Results and conclusion: The results described show the current state of end-to-end performance of the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry mode of operation. We show that from a technical point of view, the MOMA instrument works as expected. From a chemical perspective, we have shown that the four different types of MOMA analyses conducted here (pyrolysis and MTBSTFA, DMF-DMA, or TMAH derivatization) are efficient. Specific molecules have been detected (as expected) when using chemical standards. Analysis of the natural and synthetic samples reveals that a large number of molecules are released, and many species have been positively detected and identified (Fig. 2). Figure 2 : Total ion chromatogram (TIC) for vermiculite doped with phenylalanine, phthalic acid and undecanoic acid after online DMF-DMA derivatization.

Critical Need for LDMS Techniques: Laser desorption mass spectrometry (LDMS) enables 2D and/or 3D chemical imaging of organic and inorganic analytes, supporting focused research objectives as well as discovery-based science. Many minerals and (aromatic) organics effectively absorb UV radiation, and photon energies of UV light approximate the first ionization energies of many elements in the Periodic Table. Consequently, UV laser sources, particularly those with controllable output attenuation, serve as effective ionization sources for many materials. In the realm of in situ planetary science, LDMS techniques are valued to detect refractory organic molecules, including prospective biosignatures, and identify the host phases that harbor said compounds. The short pulse widths offered by many solid-state laser systems, such as the 266 nm laser system developed for the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) onboard the ExoMars rover, have been shown to circumvent the challenges associated with pyrolyzing organic-rich samples in the presence of strong oxidants, like the perchlorates found across the Martian surface [1]. Critical Need for Ultrahigh Mass Resolution: Heritage mass spectrometers, such as that flown on the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) investigation onboard the Curiosity rover [2], are limited to mass resolving powers of m/Δm < 1000 (FWHM), leading to uncertainty in the identification of molecular signals. Peaks are often assigned based on known isotope abundances, diagnostic fragmentation patterns, and/or corroborative measurements provided by other payload instruments. Alternatively, hardware additions such as gas chromatographs, resonance lasers sources, and/or collision cells can increase the confidence of molecular assignments, albeit at the cost of additional mass, volume, and power requirements. In contrast, the OrbitrapTM analyzer commercialized by Thermo Scientific [3], adapted for spaceflight by a consortium of French laboratories [4], and miniaturized and ruggedized through a collaboration with the University of Maryland and NASA GSFC [5], enables identification of molecular stoichiometry through mass resolving powers of m/Δm > 100,000 (FWHM) and ppm-level mass accuracies. Unrivaled disambiguation of isobaric interferences and isotopologues across a wide intrascan mass range (e.g., 20 – 600 u) distinguishes the Orbitrap from other high-resolution analyzers. LDMS with an Orbitrap mass analyzer: The analytical and scientific value of integrating a pulsed UV laser source with an Orbitrap mass analyzer for planetary applications was first recognized with the development of the Ion Laser Mass Analyzer (ILMA) for Marco Polo [6], a joint ESA-JAXA sample return mission targeting a primitive Near-Earth Object (NEO). In response to the Pre-Release of an Announcement of Opportunity for a NASA Europa Lander Mission, a laser-enabled Orbitrap was modified to analyze ice residues and seek out physicochemical signs of life in potentially habitable cryogenic environments [5]. More recently, a permutation of the instrument was adapted for operation on the lunar surface, facilitating investigations into the composition of the bulk silicate Moon, dynamics of the lunar interior, space weathering of the surface, rates of exogenous infall, and the alteration of organic materials due to exposure to cosmic rays [7]. Advanced analytical capabilities with a laser-enabled Orbitrap mass spectrometer: To support the evolving objectives of the planetary community, such as the prioritization of an Enceladus Orbilander in the most recent Decadal Survey [8], advanced LDMS techniques are currently being explored to maximize the science return for a spectrum of mission architectures. The characterization of complex organic materials simulating extraterrestrial matter (e.g., Titan-like tholins), and planetary analog samples doped with organic compounds commonly associated with living systems, such as proteinogenic amino acids and the nucleobase uracil found in RNA, demonstrates the detection of prospective biomarkers, classification of host mineralogy, and establishment of geological context/provenance [9-11]. In order to improve spectral reproducibility and enhance limits of detection, a variety of sample plate materials spanning a range of thermal diffusivities, electrical conductivities, and ionization potentials are being tested. Inorganic chemical matrices, such as Si nanoparticles, are being explored to promote ionization efficiency and the preservation of the molecular ion of a compelling suite of organic macromolecules, including short chain peptides [12] and simple, compound, and derived lipids [13]. References: [1] Li et al. (2015) Astrobio 15 (2), 104 – 110. [2] Mahaffy et al. (2012) PSS 170, 401 – 478. [3] Makarov (1999) US Patent 5,886,346. [4] Briois et al. (2016) PSS 131, 33 – 45. [5] Willhite et al. (2021) IEEE Aerospace, 1 – 13. [6] Cottin et al. (2009) 9th Euro Workshop on Astrobio. [7] Willhite et al. (2020) LSSW, LPI Contrib. No. 2241. [8] National Academies (2022) Origins, Worlds and Life. [9] Arevalo Jr. et al. (2018) Rapid Comm 32, 1875 – 1886. [10] Selliez et al. (2019) PSS 170, 42 – 51. [11] Selliez et al. (2020) Rapid Comm 34, e8645. [12] Arevalo Jr. et al. (2022) AbSciCon, 208-03. [13] Hanna et al. (2022) AbSciCon, 130-011.

A machine learning approach for analyzing data from the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) instrument has been developed in order to improve the accuracy and efficiency of this analysis and serves as a case study for the use of machine learning tools for space missions. MOMA is part of the science payload aboard the ExoMars rover, Rosalind Franklin, currently planned to land on Mars in 2023. Most NASA robotic space missions return only one thing: data. Remote planetary missions continue to produce more data as mission ambitions and instrument capabilities grow, yet the investigations are still limited by available bandwidth to transmit data back to Earth. To maximize the value of each bit, instruments need to be highly selective about which data are prioritized for return to Earth, as compression and transmission of the full data volume is often not feasible. The fundamental goal is to enable the concept of science autonomy , where instruments perform selected onboard science data analyses and then act upon those analyses through self-adjustment and tuning of instrument parameters. In this paper, we discuss the motivations, as well as related work on the use of machine learning for space missions. We also present a first step toward this vision of science autonomy for space science missions. This proof-of-concept exercise for the MOMA instrument aims to develop tools, used on Earth, to support Martian operations of the ExoMars mission. We also discuss the challenges and limitations of this implementation, as well as lessons learned and approaches that could be used for future space science missions.

The Europan Molecular Indicators of Life Investigation (EMILI) is an instrument concept being developed for the Europa Lander mission currently under study. EMILI will meet and exceed the scientific and technical/resource requirements of the organic composition analyzer identified as a core instrument on the Lander. EMILI tightly couples two complementary analytical techniques, based on 1) liquid extraction and processing with capillary electrophoresis and 2) thermal and chemical extraction with gas chromatography, to robustly detect, structurally characterize, and quantify the broadest range of organics and other Europan chemicals over widely-varying concentrations. Dual processing and analysis paths enable EMILI to perform a thorough characterization of potential molecular biosignatures and contextual compounds in collected surface samples. Here we present a summary of the requirements, design, and development status of EMILI with projected scientific opportunities on the Europa Lander as well as on other potential life detection missions seeking potential molecular biosignatures in situ.

Europa is a high-priority astrobiology target due to the presence of liquid water, carbon-rich materials, and energy sources that may support complex chemistry and the emergence of biological activity. The CORALS (Characterization of Ocean Residues And Life Signatures) instrument—a transformative mass spectrometer that comprises a solid-state UV laser source, custom ion transfer optics, and a high performance Orbitrap™ mass analyzer—is capable of comprehensive analyses of planetary materials that can provide important context for the origin and evolution of potential biosignatures and geologic icy matrices on Europa. The CORALS laser source, ion inlet system, and mass analyzer constitute a highly versatile and low SWaP (Size: 11,000 cm3; Weight: 8.0 kg; and Power: 41 W peak) mass spectrometer. Here we report on the design of the CORALS engineering test unit (ETU), which will be qualified for spaceflight via random vibration testing and exposure to dry heat microbial reduction, and test results from the two pathfinding prototypes that have informed the development of the ETU. The demonstrated analytical performance of the CORALS instrument supports the wide range of science goals and planetary targets this spectrometer can access, highlighting the instrument's multidimensional strengths in the search for life signatures on Europa or elsewhere in the Solar System.