A case for landing on the moon's farside to test nitrogen abundances

Abstract

A high research priority in astrobiology is the search and eventual identification of biomarkers in the Solar System. In spite of numerous steps forward, lunar science remains largely disjoint from the main stream of astrobiology, but in recent years the Moon has begun to emerge as a novel target for astrobiologists. We discuss an overlap between lunar geology and terrestrial geomicrobiology that arises from analysis of lunar soils and some uncertainties in chemical evolution and the origin of life scenarios. Unexpected isotopic heterogeneity of nitrogen (N) was found to be remarkable in samples from Apollo and the Luna programme. Both the stable isotope geochemical data of the biogenic elements, as well as the noble gases trapped in lunar soils added valuable new and relevant data. These discoveries are potential sources of information on early Earth evolution. The elusive ratio of N's two stable isotopes 15 N/ 14 N has played a fundamental role in this research. The analysis of individual grains of ilmenite suggests that 90% of all the trapped N does not originate from solar wind (SW). We discuss the significance of these stable isotopes from the point of view of astrobiology in the light of the next generation of lunar exploration. We underline the high priority of testing the origin of non-solar N source trapped in the regolith of the lunar farside. In the proposals of new lunar missions, the characterization of the geochemistry at several lunar sites is a major objective. Some arguments are presented in favour of using novel space technologies in a search for biomarkers in geographical distinct lunar landing sites. We restrict our attention to one aspect of the science requirements for the forthcoming missions by focusing on a very limited objective: to take a closer look at the geochemical characterization of the chemical element N on the soils of the lunar farside.

Towards matrix‐free femtosecond‐laser desorption mass spectrometry for in situ space research

“…[3,11,[31][32][33][34][35] These investigations are particularly encouraging for in situ space research where minimal or no sample preparation procedures and no spatial disruption of the analyte prior to the analysis are of prime importance. [36][37][38] In this context, special attention is currently being devoted to the quest for low molecular weight biomarkers of extinct or extant life on planetary objects beyond Earth. [6,[39][40][41][42] Nonetheless, the few direct LDI studies reported so far have employed equipment that is not suitable for implementation on spacecraft, where requirements concerning weight, size and power consumption are very strict.…”

“…Furthermore, direct LD studies of organic molecules have successfully been carried out without the assistance of a matrix or substrate pretreatment . These investigations are particularly encouraging for in situ space research where minimal or no sample preparation procedures and no spatial disruption of the analyte prior to the analysis are of prime importance . In this context, special attention is currently being devoted to the quest for low molecular weight biomarkers of extinct or extant life on planetary objects beyond Earth .…”

Chemical Composition of Micrometer-Sized Filaments in an Aragonite Host by a Miniature Laser Ablation/Ionization Mass Spectrometer

“…Further development of sensitive, more specific space instrumentation for context investigation is of considerable interest and is an ongoing process (Parnell et al, 2007;Chela-Flores, 2010, 2012. The instruments for the investigation of planetary context are particularly interesting.…”

From systems chemistry to systems astrobiology: life in the universe as an emergent phenomenon

“…The fossil evidence suggests that biomarkers typical of eukaryotes, and hence of the rising presence of an oxygenic atmosphere, are already present in the 2.7 Ga (10 9 years) shales in Western Australia – the Pilbara Block's Fortescue Group (Brocks et al 1999). For details, in a more general context, we refer the reader to Chela-Flores (2011b, 2012).…”