In-situ Spectroscopic Europa Explorer (iSEE) (iSEE)

Objectives: We propose to build and critically test a TRL6 in-situ Spectroscopic Europa Explorer (iSEE), a next-generation ultra-compact Raman Spectrometer with superior performance that meets the top-level scientific requirements of multiple planetary missions to the inner and outer Solar System. Our motivation is to build a small, versatile instrument that can address priority science goals in missions to several targets and with different spacecraft configurations (orbiters, fly-throughs, landers, rovers). iSEE integrates, for the first time, a digital micromirror device/photomultiplier assembly (DMD/PMT) and a microchip diode laser into a miniature Raman spectrometer that enables unprecedented measurements: in-situ chemical identification and quantitation of complex organic compounds, including pre-biotic compounds (e.g. amino acids); biomolecules (organic biomarkers including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acid polymers); minerals/salts; and volatiles. iSEE also provides sample context, including ice composition, crystallinity, and ice phase distribution. Approach: The overarching goal of this project is to reduce risks (technical, scientific, operational, and programmatic) for development, delivery, and deployment of a future planetary exploration instrument. For any given planetary mission, iSEE would address the following Science Objectives: 1. Detect and quantitate organic compounds; 2. Search for specific biomolecules that can serve as biosignatures; 3. Determine fine-scale mineralogy; 4. Search for sources of chemical energy (e.g. redox couples); 5. Characterize ice crystallinity and ice phase distribution. iSEE informs these five science objectives by performing high-resolution, high-sensitivity, quantitative analyses of samples via an innovative approach to Raman spectroscopy. Raman is probably the most powerful tool available for in-situ, non-invasive molecular and mineralogical characterizations. Based on the inelastic scattering of light, the Raman technique identifies molecular species and their chemical and structural nature. iSEE changes paradigm in in-situ planetary exploration: it significantly improves science instrument measurement capabilities for landed and fly-through missions and has potential to become a key new instrument in NASA's exploration toolbox that can replace flown and to-be-flown in-situ sensing technologies in future mission opportunities Relevance: Our instrument significantly improves instrument measurement capabilities for planetary science missions such as Discovery, New Frontiers, Mars Exploration, and other planetary programs. It has potential to become a critical new instrument in NASA's exploration toolbox that can replace already-flown in-situ sensing technologies in future mission opportunities. iSEE will enable in-situ chemical classification and quantitation of complex organic compounds, minerals/ices, and volatiles. Therefore, iSEE will enable measurements responsive to three of the five science objectives of the SMD's PSD, as stated in the NASA Science Plan: "[2] Understand how the Sun's family of planets, satellites, and minor bodies originated and evolved; [3] Understand the processes that determine the history and future of habitability of environments on Mars and other Solar System bodies; [4] Understand the origin and evolution of Earth life and the biosphere to determine if there is or ever has been life elsewhere in the universe." Specifically, iSEE will enable all three investigations required to understand the habitability of Europa's ocean through composition and chemistry, the priority objective of the proposed Europa lander concept, as developed by a NASA-commissioned Science Definition Team. This MatISSE project builds on NASA STTR (innovative spectrometer architecture) and SBIR (auto-focusing system)-funded R&D. Thus, this project "leverage[s] technology investments [from] NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)."