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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2000

Laser Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry for Space

A miniature reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer for in situ planetary surface analysis is described. The laser ablation mass spectrometer (LAMS) measures the regolith's elemental and isotopic composition without high-voltage source extraction or sample preparation. The compact size (< 2 x 10(exp 3) cubic cm) and low mass (approximately 2 kg) of LAMS, due to its fully coaxial design and two-stage reflectron, fall within the strict resource limitations of landed science missions to solar system bodies. A short-pulse laser focused to a spot with a diameter approximately 30-50 micrometers is used to obtain microscopic surface samples. Assisted by a microimager, LAMS can interactively select and analyze a range of compositional regions (with lateral motion) and with repeated pulses can access unweathered, subsurface materials. The mass resolution is calibrated to distinguish isotopic peaks at unit masses, and detection limits are on resolved to a few ppm. The design and calibration method of a prototype LAMS device is described, which include the development of preliminary relative sensitivity coefficients for major element bulk abundance measurements.

Brinckerhoff, W. B.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Acquisition of a High-resolution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer for Cosmochemical and Geochemical Research

The primary goal of our research in this program is to develop new techniques for the analysis of volatile trace elements in very small samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in preparation for samples returned by the Stardust mission. The instrument that will serve as the basis of our experiments is the ELEMENT2 high-resolution ICP-MS. We have spent the past year designing the laboratory to house this instrument as well as space to store and prepare samples returned by the Stardust mission. Unfortunately, the location that we had initially selected for the instrument turned out to be insufficient for our needs. This was determined almost eight months into the first year of our funding cycle, after extensive work including the production of engineering drawings. However, during this time the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory was selected to lead Phoenix, the first Mars Scout mission. As a result of this award LPL purchased a new, 50,000 square foot building. We have acquired 1400 square feet of laboratory space in this new facility. Four-hundred square feet will be used for a class-100 clean room. This area is designated for storage and preparation of extraterrestrial materials. The additional 1000 square feet will house the ELEMENT2 ICP-MS and peripheral devices. This is an enormous amount of space for this instrument, but it provides plenty of room for expansion in the future. The ICP-MS and the clean room facilities have been purchased. The instrument has been delivered. The startup time for this instrument is relatively short and we expect to be collecting our first data by mid-summer.

Lauretta, D. S.↗
NASA NTRS2021

Sublimation of Laboratory Ices Millimeter/Submillimeter Experiment (SubLIME): Structure-Specific Identifications of Products from UV-photolyzed Methanol Ice

Submillimeter/far-IR spectroscopy was used to detect and quantify organic molecules sublimated after the ultraviolet photolysis (at 12 K) and warm-up (up to 300 K) of a methanol (CH3OH) ice sample. Eleven sublimated photoproducts were uniquely identified: carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde (H2CO), ketene (C2H2O), acetaldehyde (CH3CHO), ethylene oxide (CH2OCH2), vinyl alcohol (CH2CHOH), ethanol (CH3CH2OH), dimethyl ether (CH3OCH3), methyl formate (HCOOCH3), glycolaldehyde (HOCH2CHO), and acetone ((CH3)2CO). Two additional products were detected in the photolyzed ice by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy: carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). The rotational temperatures and gas densities were calculated for the organics containing two or more C atoms via a rotation diagram analysis, and the gas-phase submillimeter/far-IR technique was used in tandem with mass spectrometry and FTIR spectroscopy of the ice during photolysis. The abundance ratios of the sublimated species (normalized to methanol) were compared to those observed in hot cores (Orion-KL, Sagittarius B2(N), and IRAS 16293-2422(B)) and in comets C/2014 Q2 (Lovejoy) and 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko.

K M Yocum↗
NASA NTRS2021

Sublimation of Laboratory Ices Millimeter/Submillimeter Experiment (SubLIME): Structure-Specific Identifications of Products from UV-photolyzed Methanol Ice

Submillimeter/far-IR spectroscopy was used to detect and quantify organic molecules sublimated after the ultraviolet photolysis (at 12 K) and warm-up (up to 300 K) of a methanol (CH3OH) ice sample. Eleven sublimated photoproducts were uniquely identified: carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde (H2CO), ketene (C2H2O), acetaldehyde (CH3CHO), ethylene oxide (CH2OCH2), vinyl alcohol (CH2CHOH), ethanol (CH3CH2OH), dimethyl ether (CH3OCH3), methyl formate (HCOOCH3), glycolaldehyde (HOCH2CHO), and acetone ((CH3)2CO). Two additional products were detected in the photolyzed ice by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy: carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). The rotational temperatures and gas densities were calculated for the organics containing two or more C atoms via a rotation diagram analysis, and the gas-phase submillimeter/far-IR technique was used in tandem with mass spectrometry and FTIR spectroscopy of the ice during photolysis. The abundance ratios of the sublimated species (normalized to methanol) were compared to those observed in hot cores (Orion-KL, Sagittarius B2(N), and IRAS 16293-2422(B)) and in comets C/2014 Q2 (Lovejoy) and 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko.

K. M. Yocum↗
NASA NTRS2015

A Combined Study Investigating the Insoluble and Soluble Organic Compounds in Category 3 Carbonaceous Itokawa Particles Recovered by the Hayabusa Mission

At the 3rd International Announcement of Opportunity (AO), we have been approved for five Category 3 carbonaceous Itokawa particles (RA-QD02-0012, RA-QD02-0078, RB-CV-0029, RB-CV-0080 and RB-QD04-0052) recovered by the first Hayabusa mission of JAXA. In this investigation, we aim to provide a comprehensive study to characterize and account for the presence of carbon-bearing phases as suggested by the initial Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis carried out by JAXA at the curation facility, and to describe the mineralogical components of the particles. The insoluble organic content of Itokawa particle has been investigated with the use of micro-Raman spectroscopy by Kitajima and co-workers [1]. The Raman spectra of Itokawa particles show broad G- and D-bands typical of low temperature material which offers an interesting contrast to the high metamorphic grade (LL4-6) of the Itokawa parent body. Amino acid analysis has been conducted by Naraoka et al. [2] to study the soluble organic component of Itokawa particles, but since it was a preliminary study and thus did not have the opportunity to target on Category 3 carbonaceous particles, only terrestrial contaminants were identified. The investigation will be carried out in the following order prioritized according to the progressive damage the analytical techniques can induce: (1) micro-Raman spectrometry, (2) two-step laser mass spectrometry (micro-L2MS), (3) ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-FD/ToF-MS), and optimally if we can recover the particles after wet chemistry analysis, we will mount the samples and perform (4) electron beam microscopy (SEM, electron back-scattered diffraction [EBSD]) and (5) carbon X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy (C-XANES). We will begin the analytical procedures upon receiving the samples in September/October. This work will provide us with an understanding of the variety and origins of the carbon-bearing phases present in primitive solar system bodies from a direct sample-returned mission, which is less likely hampered by risks of terrestrial contamination as compared to meteorite finds and falls.

Chan, Q. H. S.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Organic Compounds in Stardust

The successful return of the STARDUST spacecraft provides a unique opportunity to investigate the nature and distribution of organic matter in cometary dust particles collected from Comet 81P/Wild-2. Analysis of individual cometary impact tracks in silica aerogel using the technique of two-step laser mass spectrometry (L2MS) demonstrates the presence of complex aromatic organic matter. While concerns remain as to the organic purity of the aerogel collection medium and the thermal effects associated with hypervelocity capture, the majority of the observed organic species appear indigenous to the impacting particles and are hence of cometary origin. While the aromatic fraction of the total organic matter present is believed to be small, it is notable in that it appears to be N-rich. Spectral analysis in combination with instrumental detection sensitivities suggest that N is incorporated predominantly in the form of aromatic nitriles (R-C N). While organic species in the STARDUST samples do share some similarities with those present in the matrices of carbonaceous chondrites, the closest match is found with stratospherically collected interplanetary dust particles. These findings are consistent with the notion that a fraction of interplanetary dust is of cometary origin. The presence of complex organic N-containing species in comets has astrobiological implications since comets are likely to have contributed to the prebiotic chemical inventory of both the Earth and Mars.

McKay, David S.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Miniature Mass Spectrometers on Space and Planetary Missions

Space flight mass spectrometers contribute our understanding of the origin and evolution of our solar system and even of life itself. This fundamental role has motivated increasing interest in miniature mass spectrometry for planetary missions. Several remarkable new instruments are en route or under development to investigate the composition of planetary bodies such as Mars and comets. For instance, the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) suite on the 2009 Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission includes a quadrupole mass spectrometer with a sophisticated gas processing system as well as pyrolysis and chemical derivatization protocols for solid samples. Future missions will require even lighter, lower power, and yet more capable mass spectrometers, particularly to analyze samples in situ on planetary surfaces. We have been developing laser-based mass spectrometers for elemental and organic/molecular analysis of rock, ice, or fine particle samples. These typically use time-of-flight (TOF) mass analyzers, which are readily miniaturized and can detect both atomic species and complex organics that occur in a variety of planetary materials. For example, nonvolatile polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and kerogen-like macromolecular carbon are found in some carbonaceous meteorites, which derived from asteroid parent bodies. A single focused laser pulse is able to volatilize and ionize some of these compounds for direct TOF analysis. While this is possible without any sample preparation or contact, sensitivity and quantitative performance can improve significantly with some sample handling. As such we have also been examining robotic mechanisms and protocols to accompany space flight mass spectrometers. In addition, sensors in early development may significantly improve these capabilities, via use of techniques such as switchable polarity, ambient pressure, or resonant ionization; tandem mass spectrometry (TOF or ion trap); and chemical imaging.

Brinckerhoff, William↗
NASA NTRS1991

Determination of the isotopic composition of atmospheric methane and its application in the Antarctic

A procedure for establishing the C-13/C-12 ratio and the C-14 abundance in the atmospheric methane is discussed. The method involves air sample collection, measurement of the methane mixing ratio by gas chromotography followed by quantitative conversion of the methane in the air samples to CO2 and H2O, and analysis of the resulting CO2 for the C-13/C-12 ratio by stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry and measurement of C-14 content by accelerator mass spectrometry. The carbon isotropic composition of methane in air collected at Baring Head, New Zealand, and in air collected on aircraft flights between New Zealand and Antarctica is determined by the method, and no gradient in the composition between Baring Head and the South Pole station is found. As the technique is refined, and more data is gathered, small seasonal and long-term variations in C-13 are expected to be resolved.

Lowe, David C.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Inter- and intra-crystalline oxygen isotope distribution of fassaites in Allende CAI

Calcium, aluminum-rich inclusions (CAI's) from carbonaceous chondrite are believed to be among the first solids to have formed in the early solar system and thus to preserve a record of conditions and processes that prevailed early in the solar nebula. We have measured inter- and intra- crystalline oxygen isotope distribution of fassaite in Type B1 CAI of Allende meteorite. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) using negative Au primary ion was applied to in situ oxygen isotope ratio analysis on a polished thin section of the CAI. Present data indicate that O isotope composition is homogeneous inside of fassaite grains as well as among grains in the HN3-1 CAI, and that the delta(exp 18) O value (-24.14 percent relative to SMOW) determined previously could be applied to most fassaite grains. The results suggest that most fassaite grains are preexisting solids like spinel grains.

Yurimoto, Hisayoshi↗
NASA NTRS2024

Xplo-SA9T: Optimization of Sorbent Technology With Existing and New Amine Variants for Carbon Dioxide Removal and Humidity Control

Scrubbing of the spacesuit air stream to control humidity and regulate carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) relies on amine-loaded resins, colloquially known as sorbents. The efficacy of Rapid Cycle Amine technology relies on the propensity of nitrogens toward adsorption of CO 2 while simultaneously offering regenerative properties under vacuum or positive pressure. The commonly utilized sorbent, SA9T, was recreated and evaluated further to increase stability and serve as a benchmark comparison for newly synthesized amine sorbent technologies. Ongoing storage studies with eight different environments will allow the development of applicable storage protocols and provide insight into possible ammonia generation pathways. Attempts to alleviate the known issues with SA9T included the alteration of the primary amine (tetraethylenepentamine), the choice of resin, and the particle size distribution. In-house CO 2 breakthrough experiments were conducted using a specialized apparatus that can simulate spacesuit conditions, offering high-quality triplicate capacity analysis affording direct comparison to known adsorbents in the literature. Thermo-Desorption Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry studies on the synthesized materials revealed any reagent or solvent offgassing while Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy tracked the stability of the bound amine. Scanning Electron Microscope images of sieved materials provided a more accurate size interpretation facilitating synthetic design and pressure drop elimination. All efficient sorbents were synthesized to a commercial batch scale subsequent to evaluation including Xplo-SA9T.

John R Tidwell↗
NASA NTRS2024

Organic Matter and Nanoglobules in Bennu Samples Revealed By Coordinated UV Fluorescence, SEM-EDX, and Two-Step Laser Mass Spectrometry

Carbonaceous meteorites are derived from asteroids, although specific parent bodies are generally unknown. However, on September 24, 2023, NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security–Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission delivered regolith from the carbonaceous B-type asteroid (101955) Bennu, enabling coordinated laboratory analysis of pristine samples, with a well characterized geological context, from an asteroid of known provenance. One of primary mission goals [1] was the identification and characterization of primordial organic matter present in the returned samples. We report results from the coordinated analyses of Bennu samples using UV fluorescence, two-step laser mass spectrometry (μ-L2MS) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX).

Asteroid Bennu↗
NASA NTRS1993

Multielement analysis of interplanetary dust particles using TOF-SIMS

Sections of three stratospheric particles (U2015G1, W7029*A27, and L2005P9) were analyzed with TOF-SIMS (Time Of Flight-Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) continuing our efforts to investigate the element distribution in interplanetary dust particles (IDP's) with high lateral resolution (approximately 0.2 micron), to examine possible atmospheric contamination effects, and to further explore the abilities of this technique for element analysis of small samples. The samples, previously investigated with SXRF (synchrotron X-ray fluorescence analysis), are highly enriched in Br (Br/Fe: 59 x CI, 9.2 x CI, and 116 x CI, respectively). U2015G1 is the IDP with the by far highest Zn/Fe-ratio (81 x CI) ever reported in chondritic particles.

Stephan, T.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Coordinated Analysis of Organic Matter in Primitive Meteorites

Carbonaceous chondrites (CC) preserve a diverse range of organic matter formed within cold interstellar environments, the solar nebula, and during subsequent parent body asteroidal processing. This organic matter maintains a unique geochemical and istopic record of organic evolution [1-4]. Bulk studies of organics within CC have revealed a complex array of organic species. However, bulk studies invariably involve solvent extraction, resulting in a loss of spatial context of the host mineral matrix [3, 5]. Correlated in situ chemical and isotopic studies suggest preservation of interstellar organics in the form of spherical, often hollow, micrometer sized organic nano-globules. Nanoglobules often exhibit significant delta 15N and delta D enrichments that imply formation through fractionation of ion-molecule reactions within cold molecular clouds and/or the outer protoplanetary disk [5]. In situ studies such as 6-8 are necessary to understand the organic evolutionary stages of nanoglobules and other components in the nebula and parent body [7]. We carried out coordinated in situ micrometer-scale chemical, mineralogical and isotopic studies of the Murchison (CM2), QUE 99177 (CR3), and Tagish Lake (C2 Ung) CC. These studies were performed using fluorescent microscopy, two-step laser mass spectrometry (microL2MS), NanoSIMS, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX). Comparative analysis of three different meteorites will help reveal the effects of parent body processes on the chemistry and isotopic composition of organic matter.

meteorites↗
NASA NTRS1980

Ion-implanted laser annealed silicon solar cells

Development of low cost solar cells fabrication technology is being sponsored by NASA JPL as part of the Low Cost Solar Array Project (LSA). In conformance to Project requirements ion implantation and laser annealing were evaluated as junction formation techniques offering low cost-high throughput potential. Properties of cells fabricated utilizing this technology were analyzed by electrical, transmission electron microscopy, Rutherford backscattering and secondary ion mass spectrometry techniques. Tests indicated the laser annealed substrates to be damage free and electrically active. Similar analysis of ion implanted furnace annealed substrates revealed the presence of residual defects in the form of dislocation lines and loops with substantial impurity redistribution evident for some anneal temperature/time regimes. Fabricated laser annealed cells exhibited improved spectral response and conversion efficiency in comparison to furnace annealed cells. An economic projection for LSA indicates a potential for considerable savings from laser annealing technology.

Katzeff, J. S.↗