VIPER’s Mass Spectrometer observing lunar operations (MSolo)
The Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) is a lunar volatiles detection and measurement mission that will land on Mons Mouton near Nobile crater, close to the Moon’s south pole. One of the analytical instruments embedded within the rover is the Mass Spectrometer observing lunar operations (MSolo) instrument. VIPER’s data will ultimately be used to create lunar water resource maps that may enable a sustained presence on the lunar surface. As VIPER navigates several kilometers of terrain, its onboard analytical instrumentation will characterize the presence of volatiles along the traverse path and identify candidate locations for drilling. Upon selection of a drilling site, the rover will position itself and deploy an auguring, percussive drill down to a meter depth. Upon extraction, regolith cuttings captured by the auger are deposited on the surface; an activity that will initiate the release of any volatile gases that are subsequently detected and quantified by MSolo. MSolo is designed to identify low-molecular-weight volatiles (between m/z 1-100) with unit mass resolution. Volatiles of interest include D/H and O18/O16 bearing species, including possible water contained within the lunar regolith. MSolo is a modified, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) system, meaning the instrument is based on a commercially available unit that has been ruggedized for space applications.