Early Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Development of the Microfluidic Inorganic Conductivity Detector for Europa and
Chinmayee Govinda Raj1, Mohamed Odeh1, Cambrie Salyards1
1Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 901 Atlantic Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
Abstract:
This study introduces an innovative in situ lander/impact-penetrator design tailored for Discovery-class missions to Europa, specifically focused on conducting astrobiological analyses. The platform integrates a microfluidic capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detector (C4D), optimized for the detection of low-concentration salts potentially indicative of biological activity. Our microfluidic system allows for automated sample routing and precise conductivity-based detection, making it suitable for the harsh environmental and logistical demands of Europa's icy surface. This technology provides a robust toolset for exploring extraterrestrial habitability by enabling in situ chemical analyses with minimal operational intervention, paving the way for advanced astrobiological investigations on Europa.
