SBIR/STTR
Methane Origin Instrument (MOI): Methane Isotope and Hydrocarbon Analyzer for Mars Exploration, Phase I
Project Introduction
In this Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) effort, Los Gatos Research (LGR) proposes to employ mid-infrared Off-Axis Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy (Off-Axis ICOS) to develop a compact, rugged analyzer to quantify low concentrations of 12CH4 (methane), 13CH4 (delta_13C of methane), C2H6 (ethane), C3H8 (propane), and C4H10 (butane) in the gas phase. This portable instrument will provide rapid (0.1 – 1 Hz), highly-accurate quantification of these gasses with minimal external ca
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Anticipated Benefits
The 2013-2022 NASA Planetary Science Decadal survey cites the need to understand the "…inventory and dynamics of carbon compounds and trace gasses in the atmosphere and surface [of Mars], and [the] processes that govern their origin, evolution, and fate…" as one of five "…key, overarching questions that drive future Mars exploration." (Decadal Survey, 6-4). A robust instrument that is extremely sensitive to the expected Martian atmospheric levels of 12CH4, 13CH4, C2H6, C3H8, and C4H10 is optimally suited for answering these questions on the future missions to Mars, such as that planned for 2018. The proposed instrument complements the methane/methane-isotope analyzer that will be part of the upcoming Mars Science Laboratory mission, by adding the capability to measure the abundances of light hydrocarbons. Given the lack of empirical data about Martian methane sources that is required to calibrate an isotope-only measurement, this additional capability is critical in de Besides its applications to NASA, a field-portable analyzer capable of measuring light hydrocarbon concentrations and methane isotope ratios also has significant commercial applications for energy exploration and landfill management. The proposed SBIR effort will substantially facilitate in the development of these commercial products.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Ames Research Center
(ARC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Moffett Field, CA |
| Los Gatos Research | Supporting Organization | Industry | Mountain View, CA |
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Ames Research Center (ARC)
Responsible Program:
- SBIR/STTR
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigator:
- Douglas Baer
Project Duration
Start: Feb 2012
End: Aug 2012
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 3 |
| Current: | 3 |
| Estimated End: | 6 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TA 8 Science Instruments, Observatories, and Sensor Systems
- TA 8.3 In-Situ Instruments and Sensors
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