Graduate school seminar: Jurij Simčič - The role of mass spectrometers in space exploration

Speaker: Jurij Simčič, Institute Jožef Stefan, Slovenia

Title: The role of mass spectrometers in space exploration

Abstract

Mass spectrometers (MSs) have, since the early beginnings of space exploration, played a role of a work horse among instruments that were sent to space. Various types of MSs have been used, according to different planetary targets and available technology, starting with a magnetic field sectors (Apollo 15/16,17, Viking 1/2, Pioneer Venus, Phoenix) - the 70s and 80s; Quadrupole mass filters (Pioneer Venus, Ladee, Maven, Galileo, Cassini-Huygens,.. ROSINA) - 80s until today; 3D/2D ion traps (Ptolemey, VCAM, SAM, MOMA) - late 90s until today; and recent Time-of-flight instruments (Juice-NIM, Europa Clipper-MASPEX). All of these instruments were designed to achieve highest analytical characteristics (sensitivity, mass range & resolution) in smallest mass-volume-power envelope possible. In addition, these instruments had to be robust enough to survive high accelerations during takeoff and landing, and operate in extreme thermal and radiation environments. Quadrupole Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (QITMS) developed at JPL belongs to the 3D ion trap family and is currently the smallest/lightest space-flight mass spectrometer with analytical capabilities comparable to the lab-size commercial instruments. In the talk, I will compare different types of mass spectrometers and explain the principles of operation of the QITMS, and unique engineering solutions that made it successful. I will demonstrate some of its analytical capabilities and modes of operation, and how those can be used for different types of planetary environments (atmospheres, oceans, minerals). We will discus possible future applications and what can be done at J. Stefan Institute to participate in future space missions planned by European Space Agency.