LASVEGAS on the Moon: A Hypertunable IR laser Spectrometer for the Analysis of Volatiles

This proposal seeks to adapt the novel, low resource, high capability Laser Absorption Spectrometer for Volatiles and Evolved Gas (LASVEGAS) to the lunar surface environment. Regolith volatiles underpin many high priority lunar science goals identified by NASA (2014, 2016), the NRC (2007, 2012), and LEAG (2016, 2017a,b), and are also of critical importance for in situ resource utilization (Jawin et al., 2018; Fassett, 2019; Sanders, 2018). The volatile measurements required to achieve these goals are obtainable with the lunar-specific LASVEGAS accommodated on any of the landed spacecraft currently under consideration, including Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) spacecrafts. With the arrival of NASA’s Artemis architecture, now is the ideal time to bring this low risk, low resource instrument to TRL-6 flight maturity. The instrument fits in a resource envelope far lower than GCMS or Raman spectrometers with unambiguous species determination. Capabilities enabled by LASVEGAS broadly include: • Fast, high precision, unambiguous measurement and detection of both anticipated and perhaps unexpected volatiles (H2O, CO2, CO, CH4, H2S, SO2, NOx, HCN, OCS, CxHy…) within the regolith. • Isotopic measurements of 13C /12C, 18O /16O, and D/H from one or more molecular species. • Downstream analysis of gases from a GCMS or other instrument(s) for complementary or independent measurement corroboration.

The traceability of the proposal science objectives from NASA Goals down to measurement requirements and LASVEGAS performance are detailed in a fully developed Science Traceability Matrix.

LASVEGAS is a laboratory-proven (TRL-4) infrared laser spectrometer originally developed for icy worlds (Europa, Enceladus, Titan, etc.) and requires specific and necessary modifications and additions in order to achieve science and exploration measurement requirements within the relevant lunar environment. The samples and sample handling are different. The dust environment is critically different. The thermal environment is different. The payload resource allocations and accommodation requirements are different.

The Goal of this proposal is to refine, implement, and validate a lunar LASVEGAS instrument for use on the lunar surface starting from the BIM design. The proposal Objectives are tied to specific instrument subsystems and lunar-specific measurement requirements: 1) Implement a novel, more compact, lower optical noise, more dust resistant, and higher throughput laser multiplexing subsystem. 2) Address head-on the challenges of lunar dust contamination with the addition of a high heritage dust mitigation system. 3) Perform a structural, thermal, and optical analysis driven by the lunar environment and implement design changes, as necessary. 4) Refine, assemble, and interface a sample acceptance subsystem to existing TRL-5+, sample handling subsystems. 5) Perform relevant environmental testing and qualification to bring the instrument to TRL-6. 6) Initiate a spectroscopic library used to perform retrievals of lunar LASVEGAS spectra.

The proposed investigation is highly relevant to the DALI Program solicitation. LASVEGAS is a TRL-4 instrument to be matured to TRL-6 specifically under relevant lunar conditions. The science goals and objectives are directly traceable to NASA lunar science and human exploration, including ISRU. DALI is specifically interested in small payloads for small lander spacecraft, and LASVEGAS fills this niche with its high capability yet low mass, volume, and power/energy requirements.

The maturation and implementation program is low risk and detailed with many milestones along backed by strong program oversight and guided by a fully load resource schedule. The team has the experience and qualifications to carry out the proposed work. More »