Raman characterization of terrestrial analogs from the AMADEE‐18 astronaut simulated mission using the ExoMars RLS simulator: Implications for Mars

Abstract

Between February 1 and February 28, 2018, the Austrian Space Forum, in cooperation with research teams from 25 nations, conducted the AMADEE-18 mission-a human-robotic Mars expedition simulation in the Dhofar region in the Sultanate of Oman. As a part of the AMADEE-18 simulated Mars human exploration mission, the Remote Science Support team investigated the Dhofar area (Oman) to qualify it as a potential Mars analog site. The motivation of this research was to study and register selected samples collected by the analog astronauts during the AMADEE-18 mission with the European Space Agency (ESA) ExoMars Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) simulator, compare the results with standard laboratory measurements, and establish the implication of the results to the future ESA ExoMars mission. The Raman measurements identified minerals such as carbonates (calcite and dolomite), feldspar and plagioclase (albite, anorthite, orthoclase, and sanidine), Fe-oxides (goethite, hematite, and magnetite), and Ti-oxide (anatase), each relevant to planetary exploration. As we have presented here, Raman spectroscopy is a powerful tool for detecting the presence of organic molecules, particularly by analyzing the principal vibration of C C and C H bonds. It has also been shown that portable Raman spectroscopy is a relevant tool for in situ field studies such as those conducted during extra-vehicular activities (EVA) in simulated missions like the AMADEE-18 and the future AMADEE-2020 campaign.

Shifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy for soil component identification and soil carbonate determination in the presence of strong fluorescence interference

“…Besides the agricultural sector, further application areas could benefit from the capabilities of SERDS for substance identification and quantification as well. Examples include geological studies, for example for mineral characterization on planetary surfaces [38,70] and the field of cultural heritage, for example for archeological studies [71,72] or investigations of deterioration effects on monuments. [73,74]…”

The Raman laser spectrometer ExoMars simulator (RLS Sim): A heavy‐duty Raman tool for ground testing on ExoMars

“…[12] 2-Understanding of the analytical capabilities of RLS in the ExoMars rover to help define the operational interface with the carrousel and rover: the scientific analysis of powdered samples in a multipoint fashion returned relevant data and information to the definition of the onboard operation mode. [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] 3-Preparation for the mission: Investigations on Martian analog samples relevant to the mission's landing site (Oxia Planum) can be carried out with this system both in laboratory and field conditions. These tests are performed jointly with select analysis on the RLS Flight Spare (FS) model, to evaluate the detection capabilities by the instrument with the expected sample types.…”

“…Understanding of the analytical capabilities of RLS in the ExoMars rover to help define the operational interface with the carrousel and rover: the scientific analysis of powdered samples in a multipoint fashion returned relevant data and information to the definition of the onboard operation mode. [ 18–26 ]…”