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How to Detect Life on Icy Moons.

Mark A Sephton1, Jack Hunter Waite2, Tim G Brockwell2

  • 11 Impacts and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London , London, United Kingdom .

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The MAss SPectrometer for Planetary EXploration/Europa (MASPEX) instrument can detect life on icy moons. Pyrolysis mass spectrometry data show MASPEX can identify organic matter, revealing habitability and potential life in plumes.

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Area of Science:

  • Astrobiology and planetary science, focusing on the search for extraterrestrial life.

Background:

  • Icy moons in the outer Solar System may harbor subsurface water and habitable conditions.
  • Plumes ejecting subsurface material offer opportunities to search for signs of life.
  • The MAss SPectrometer for Planetary EXploration/Europa (MASPEX) is a sensitive mass spectrometer designed for life-detection investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To demonstrate the capability of the MASPEX instrument to detect life on icy moons.
  • To compile and analyze pyrolysis mass spectrometry data from various materials for comparison with potential extraterrestrial samples.
  • To assess the potential of MASPEX to recognize habitability and detect life in plumes and atmospheres of icy moons.

Main Methods:

  • Compilation of pyrolysis mass spectrometry data from diverse biological and nonbiological materials.
  • Analysis of fragmentation patterns induced by impact dissociation and radiolysis, analogous to pyrolysis.
  • Utilizing MASPEX's high-resolution, high-sensitivity mass spectrometry for trace organic compound detection.

Main Results:

  • Pyrolysis mass spectrometry data successfully differentiate between biological and nonbiological materials.
  • Impact dissociation and radiolytic processes can produce fragmentation patterns similar to pyrolysis, aiding in sample analysis.
  • MASPEX is capable of detecting trace amounts (ppb) of organic compounds relevant to habitability and life detection.

Conclusions:

  • MASPEX is a suitable instrument for life-detection missions to icy moons like Europa.
  • The study provides a framework for interpreting mass spectrometry data from extraterrestrial samples.
  • The findings support the potential for discovering evidence of life beyond Earth on icy moons.