Astrobiology and Lasers: a perfect partnership

The priorities of the scientific community, as represented by the Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey 2023 – 2032 and Voyage 2050 Programme, put renewed focus on the search for evidence of life in potentially habitable planetary environments (e.g., via Enceladus Orbilander and/or Mars Life Finder missions). To maximize the probability of mission success within the limited resources available, innovative technologies and novel analytical techniques need to be developed.

Here, I will introduce the scientific promise of laser-based mass spectrometry techniques, review the design of multiple laser-enabled instruments that have been adapted for spaceflight applications, and outline the steps needed to implement such next-generation technologies on future missions in support of astrobiology goals. 

Speaker

Ricardo Arevalo

LE STUDIUM Visiting Researcher 

FROM: University of Maryland - USA
IN RESIDENCE AT: Laboratory of Physics and Chemistry of Environment and Space (LPC2E) / CNRS, University of Orléans, CNES - FR