Mass spectrometry is commonly regarded as a powerful analytical technique for compositional analysis for planetary exploration. Mass spectrometers have been employed for exploration of multiple planetary targets, including Saturn and its moons, Mars, and Earth’s moon, and are in development for future exploration of Ocean Worlds. Mass spectrometry measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions, which can be used to identify molecules and their fragments and is often coupled with separation techniques such as gas chromatography. Recently, the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite, which uses pyrolysis and gas chromatography coupled with a quadrupole mass spectrometer, detected organic molecules in 3.5 Ga mudstones. These organics are consistent with both indigenous Mars sources and exogenous materials from meteoritic infall. The detections show that organic molecules are preserved in ancient Mars materials, despite surface exposure to destructive galactic cosmic rays and powerful oxidants. Furthermore, these detections were made despite the presence of oxychlorine in the sample, which, when heated, can oxidize organic matter. SAM has also recently performed experiments to derivatize selected samples to volatilize organics such as amino acids and will soon perform a thermochemolysis experiment in an effort to detect fatty acids.<br/><br/>While surface sediments such as the Gale mudstones appear to preserve organic molecules, the ExoMars mission launching in 2020 will be able to access sediments at 2 m depth using a drill at the landing site within the clay-rich Oxia Planum region, increasing the potential of detecting organics below the reach of damaging cosmic rays. The Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer, or MOMA instrument, will employ ion trap mass spectrometry in the search for organics on Mars. In addition to pyrolysis and derivatization, MOMA will use laser desorption to introduce sample to the mass spectrometer, minimizing potential destruction of organics by any oxychlorine present, and keeping molecular signatures intact. The MOMA mass spectrometer uses tandem mass spectrometry, which allows both the parent molecule and its fragments to be detected for better identification.

Mass spectrometry for detection of organics on Mars

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.