Mass spectrometry and planetary exploration: A brief review and future projection
Ricardo Arévalo, Ziqin Ni, Ryan M. Danell
Abstract
The influence of mass spectrometry is far-reaching! In this issue of the Journal of Mass Spectrometry, Authors Arevalo, Ni and Danell describe the rich history and promising future applications of the mass spectrometer in the investigation of planetary bodies. Mass analyzers sent into space and deployed to planetary bodies are inherently different from the instruments used in a conventional laboratory setting. Payload instruments must be small and especially rugged, so that they survive the launch, cruise, and deployment phases of the mission. They must also provide a specific set of analytical objectives, including sensitive and quantitative measurements of chemical composition, and isotopic, elemental, and molecular abundances of both volatile and nonvolatile components. These systems must operate autonomously and provide unbiased information on planetary materials. In this month's Special Feature the authors discuss instrument types, their operational requirements, and highlight the expanding scope of mass spectrometry in interplanetary studies.