An Orbitrap-based laser desorption/ablation mass spectrometer designed for spaceflight

TL;DR

This paper presents the CosmOrbitrap, a spaceflight-adapted Orbitrap mass spectrometer capable of ultrahigh resolution elemental and molecular analysis of planetary analog samples, advancing planetary exploration technology.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel spaceflight-compatible Orbitrap mass spectrometer with ultrahigh resolution and accuracy for planetary exploration.

Findings

Achieved mass resolution higher than 120,000 (m/Δm)

Quantified isotopic abundances with 1.0% precision

Detected twelve amino acids at 1 pmol/mm2 concentration

Abstract

RATIONALE: The investigation of cryogenic planetary environments as potential harbors for extant life and/or contemporary sites of organic synthesis represents an emerging focal point in planetary exploration. Next generation instruments need to be capable of unambiguously determining elemental and/or molecular stoichiometry via highly accurate mass measurements and the separation of isobaric interferences. METHODS: An OrbitrapTM analyzer adapted for spaceflight (referred to as the CosmOrbitrap), coupled with a commercial pulsed UV laser source (266 nm), is shown to successfully characterize a variety of planetary analog samples via ultrahigh resolution laser desorption/ablation mass spectrometry. The materials analyzed in this study include: jarosite (a hydrous sulfate detected on Mars); magnesium sulfate (a potential component of the subsurface ocean on Europa); uracil (a nucleobase of RNA); and a variety of amino acids. RESULTS: The instrument configuration tested here enables: measurement of major elements and organic molecules with ultrahigh mass resolution (m/{\Delta}m higher than 120,000, FWHM); quantification of isotopic abundances with 1.0% (2{\sigma}) precision; and, identification of highly accurate masses within 3.2 ppm of absolute values. The analysis of a residue of a dilute solution of amino acids demonstrates the capacity to detect twelve amino acids in positive ion mode at concentrations as low as 1 pmol/mm2 while maintaining mass resolution and accuracy requirements. CONCLUSIONS: The CosmOrbitrap mass analyzer is highly sensitive and delivers mass resolution/accuracy unmatched by any instrument sent into orbit or launched into deep space. This prototype instrument, which maps to a spaceflight implementation, represents a missionenabling technology capable of advancing planetary exploration for decades to come.