Laser-based mass spectrometry for the detection of signatures of life within our Solar System

TL;DR

This paper reviews Laser Ionisation Mass Spectrometry's capabilities for detecting biosignatures in space, emphasizing its potential for future extraterrestrial life detection missions.

Contribution

It highlights the current measurement capabilities of Laser Ionisation Mass Spectrometry and its integration with machine learning for unbiased biosignature detection.

Findings

Laser Ionisation Mass Spectrometry can detect microstructures and organic molecules in geological samples.

Machine learning enhances the analysis of mass spectrometric data for biosignature detection.

The technology shows promise for future space missions focused on life detection.

Abstract

The search for signatures of life beyond Earth has been a major goal of space research and astrobiology for decades. The combination of expanded knowledge on Solar System bodies from past missions and advancements in in-situ detection technologies may place humanity on the verge of discovering extraterrestrial life. Here, we highlight the current measurement capabilities of Laser Ionisation Mass Spectrometry for the detection of several classes of signatures of life of high relevance to current astrobiology-focused missions. This includes the detection of microstructures within complex geological hosts by chemical depth profiling, sulphur isotope fractionation signatures, and the detection of various classes of organic molecules. The recorded mass spectrometric data can be fed into network and machine learning analysis routines, which are powerful tools for the unbiased detection of signatures of life, including agnostic detection of biosignatures. We demonstrate that Laser Ionisation Mass Spectrometry is a novel and promising technology for future application. on space exploration missions devoted to life detection.