CORALS: A Laser Desorption/Ablation Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer for In Situ Exploration of Europa

Abstract

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.