Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (LITMS) for in situ Astrobiology

The highly compact Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (LITMS) combines pyrolysis gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry (GCMS) and Mars-ambient laser desorption mass spectrometry (LDMS) through a single, miniaturized yet highly-capable linear ion trap mass analyzer. The LITMS instrument is based substantially on the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer - Mass Spectrometer (MOMA-MS) for the 2020 ExoMars mission but features further analytical enhancements. In addition to the core MOMA capabilities, LITMS enhances the instrument performance by including negative ion detection, a dual frequency RF power supply to increase mass range, precision subsampling of drill cores at fine (≤ 1 mm) spatial scales, and pyrolysis of powdered sample for evolved gas analysis (EGA) of organic content and mineral assemblages. LITMS enables in situ characterization of inorganics and organics in individual rock core layers and features. This level of integrated analytical capability is critical to achieve advanced astrobiology objectives on Mars and other planets.