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

行星样本返回正在经历一场复兴。许多空间机构（例如，加拿大：CSA；美国：NASA；日本：JAXA；中国：CNSA；欧洲：ESA；俄罗斯：Roscosmos）都参与或迅速推进从不同天体（小行星、月球、火星、彗星、木卫二）返回行星样本的能力。******为了有效，样本收集需要在样本获取之前和期间进行广泛的研究。这种任务通常包括广泛的侦察，以选择最佳的采样地点，并在更大的地质背景下放置样本。样本返回任务可以通过以下方式获得信息：(i)在适当的地面模拟地点进行实地考察；（ii）对模拟材料（在实验室或从现场生产）和相关行星材料（例如小行星衍生陨石、火星陨石和月球样本）的实验室分析；（三）模拟行星演化和地表变化过程。通过将这三个领域的活动结合起来分析侦察数据，我们可以充分了解最佳样本地点的选择。******这个RTI应用程序旨在提高我们现有实验室的特定分析能力，这将提高从当前和下一代行星样本返回任务中返回样本的科学价值。******具体来说，我们计划提高我们的能力，以优化样本地点的目标选择决策，样本分类，并对获得的样本进行实时分析。我们将专注于我们目前的优势：在当前和未来的样品缓存和返回任务能力的背景下，非接触、非破坏性反射光谱。我们将在自然环境和受控环境（因为行星表面条件与地球有很大不同）中对行星样本进行非破坏性分析。******我们请求RTI资助，以战略性地增强我们的能力如下：******1。升级“包”我们现有的布鲁克顶点70 FTIR光谱仪扩展其波长范围到紫外和中红外，使光谱反射测量在任何相角，并支持双向反射分布函数的确定；***2。高通量红外光纤（允许在受控环境中对样品进行红外分析）；上轴和离轴测角仪（允许在受控环境中对样品进行可见-近红外分析）。模拟“太空风化”对小行星影响的多元素溅射/镀膜器。******总的来说，这些能力的增强将使我们能够更全面地表征行星表面，支持多个机构的采样活动，包括加拿大参与的任务。这将加强加拿大在空间探索中的作用，并为加拿大HQP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.**