Enabling Planetary Sample Triage, Caching, Return, and Analysis: Surfaces

行星样本返回正在经历一场复兴。若干空间机构(例如，加拿大：加空局；美国：美国航天局；日本宇宙航空研究开发机构；中国：中国国家航空航天局；欧洲：欧空局；俄罗斯：俄罗斯航天局)都参与或迅速提高了从不同天体(小行星、月球、火星、彗星、欧罗巴)返回行星样本的能力。*为了有效，样本采集需要在样本采集之前和期间进行广泛的研究。这类任务通常涉及广泛的侦察，以选择最佳采样点，并将样品置于更大的地质背景中。样本送回飞行任务可通过以下方式提供信息：(1)在适当的陆地模拟地点进行实地工作；(2)对模拟材料(在实验室或从实地产生)和相关行星材料(例如小行星陨石、火星陨石和月球样本)进行实验室分析；(3)对行星演化和表面修改过程进行模拟。通过将这三个活动领域结合到对侦察数据的分析中，我们可以充分了解最佳样本地点选择。*此RTI应用程序旨在提升我们现有实验室的特定分析能力，从而提高从当前和下一代行星样本返回任务返回的样本的科学价值。*具体而言，我们计划增强我们的能力，以优化样本地点目标选择决策、样本分类和对获取样本的即时分析。我们将侧重于我们目前的优势：非接触式、非破坏性的反射光谱学，在当前和未来样品缓存和返回任务的能力范围内。我们将在环境和受控环境中对行星样本进行非破坏性分析(因为行星表面条件与地球表面条件有很大不同)。*我们正在申请RTI资金，用于以下战略增强：*1.升级我们现有的Bruker Vertex 70 FTIR光谱仪，将其波长范围扩展到紫外线和中红外，能够在任何相角测量光谱反射率，并支持确定双向反射率分布函数；*2.高通量红外光纤(允许对受控环境中的样本进行红外分析)；*3.轴上和离轴测角仪(允许对受控环境中的样品进行可见-近红外分析)。*4.模拟小行星“空间风化”影响的多元素溅射器/镀膜器。*总的来说，这些对我们能力的增强将使我们能够更充分地描述行星表面的特征，支持多个天体的采样活动，包括加拿大参与的飞行任务。这将加强加拿大在太空探索中的作用，并为加拿大总部提供最先进的培训。此外，我们开发的设备和技术将适用于加拿大的矿产勘探。**

Planetary sample return is undergoing a rennaissance. A number of space agencies (e.g., Canada: CSA; the United States: NASA; Japan: JAXA; China: CNSA; Europe: ESA; and Russia: Roscosmos) are all involved in, or rapidly advancing capabilities for, planetary sample return from diverse bodies (asteroids, the Moon, Mars, comets, Europa). ******To be effective, sample collection requires extensive research before and during sample acquisition. Such missions usually involve extensive reconnaissance to select optimum sampling sites, and place samples in a larger geological context. Sample return missions can be informed by: (i) fieldwork at suitable terrestrial analogue sites; (ii) laboratory analysis of analogue materials (produced in the lab or from field sites) and relevant planetary materials (e.g., asteroid-derived meteorites, Mars meteorites, and lunar samples); and (iii) modeling of planetary evolution and surface modification processes. By combining these three areas of activity into analysis of reconnaissance data, we can fully inform optimum sample site selection.******This RTI application is intended to advance specific analytical capabilities within our existing lab that will enhance the science value of returned samples from current and next-generation planetary sample return missions.******Specifically, we plan to enhance our capabilities to optimize sample site target selection decision-making, sample triage, and on-the-fly analysis of acquired samples. We will focus on our current strength: non-contact, non-destructive reflectance spectroscopy, in the context of the capabilities of current and future sample caching and return missions. We will analyze planetary samples non-destructively, in both ambient and controlled environments (as planetary surface conditions vary widely from that of the Earth).******We are requesting RTI funding for strategic enhancements in our capabilities as follows:******1. An upgrade “package” for our existing Bruker Vertex 70 FTIR spectrometer to extend its wavelength range into the ultraviolet and mid-infrared, to enable spectral reflectance measurements at any phase angle, and to support determination of bidirectional reflectance distribution functions;***2. High-throughput infrared optical fibers (to allow for infrared analysis of samples held in controlled environments);***3. On- and off-axis goniometer (to allow for visible-near infrared analysis of samples contained in controlled environments).***4. A multi-element sputterer/coater to simulate the effects of "space weathering" on asteroids.******Collectively, these enhancements to our capabilities will allow us to more fully characterize planetary surfaces, supporting sampling activities for multiple bodies, including missions in which Canada is involved. This will enhance Canada's role in space exploration, and provide state-of-the-art training to Canadian HQP. In addition, the equipment and techniques we develop will be applicable to mineral exploration in Canada.**