MASPEX-Europa: The Europa Clipper Neutral Gas Mass Spectrometer Investigation

MASPEX-Europa: The Europa Clipper Neutral Gas Mass Spectrometer Investigation

2024 | J.H. Waite Jr., J.L. Burch, T.G. Brockwell, D.T. Young, G.P. Miller, S.C. Persyn, J.M. Stone, P. Wilson IV, K.E. Miller, C.R. Glein, R.S. Perryman, M.A. McGrath, S.J. Bolton, W.B. McKinnon, O. Mousis, M.A. Sephton, E.L. Shock, M. Choukroun, B.D. Teolis, D.Y. Wyrick, M.Y. Zolotov, C. Ray, A.L. Magoncelli, R.R. Raffanti, R.L. Thorpe, A. Bouquet, T.L. Salter, K.J. Robinson, C. Urdiales, Y.D. Tyler, G.J. Dirks, C.R. Beebe, D.A. Fugget, J.A. Alexander, J.J. Hanley, Z.A. Moorhead-Rosenberg, K.A. Franke, K.S. Pickens, R.J. Focia, B.A. Magee, P.J. Hooper, D.P. Aaron, S.L. Thompson, K.B. Persson, R.C. Blase, G.F. Dunn, R.L. Killough, A. De Los Santos, R.J. Rickerson, O.H.W. Siegmund
The MAss Spectrometer for Planetary EXploration (MASPEX) is a high-mass-resolution, high-sensitivity, multi-bounce time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MBTOF) designed to measure minor species with sub-parts-per-million abundances in Europa's exosphere and plumes. The primary goal of the MASPEX-Europa investigation is to assess the habitability of Europa, specifically its interior ocean, through in-situ measurements of the exosphere and plume composition. The instrument aims to determine the distribution of major volatiles and key organic compounds in Europa's exosphere, constrain the chemical conditions of the Europan ocean, and search for potential biosignatures. MASPEX's high mass resolution and sensitivity are crucial for identifying and quantifying organic compounds, especially those containing C, H, O, N, and S. The instrument's performance and calibration have been successfully demonstrated, and it is expected to provide valuable insights into Europa's atmosphere, geology, and habitability. The paper details the development, performance, and scientific objectives of MASPEX, emphasizing its role in the Europa Clipper mission.The MAss Spectrometer for Planetary EXploration (MASPEX) is a high-mass-resolution, high-sensitivity, multi-bounce time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MBTOF) designed to measure minor species with sub-parts-per-million abundances in Europa's exosphere and plumes. The primary goal of the MASPEX-Europa investigation is to assess the habitability of Europa, specifically its interior ocean, through in-situ measurements of the exosphere and plume composition. The instrument aims to determine the distribution of major volatiles and key organic compounds in Europa's exosphere, constrain the chemical conditions of the Europan ocean, and search for potential biosignatures. MASPEX's high mass resolution and sensitivity are crucial for identifying and quantifying organic compounds, especially those containing C, H, O, N, and S. The instrument's performance and calibration have been successfully demonstrated, and it is expected to provide valuable insights into Europa's atmosphere, geology, and habitability. The paper details the development, performance, and scientific objectives of MASPEX, emphasizing its role in the Europa Clipper mission.
Reach us at info@study.space