Early Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Development of the Microfluidic Inorganic Conductivity Detector for Europa and the Solenoid-Based Actuator Assembly for Impact Penetrators

This study introduces an innovative in situ lander/impact-penetrator design tailored for Discovery-class missions to Europa, specifically focused on conducting astrobiological analyses. The platform integrates a microfluidic capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detector (C4D), optimized for...

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Main Authors: Chinmayee Govinda Raj, Mohamed Odeh, Cambrie Salyards, Amanda Stockton
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Sensors
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/24/23/7704
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author Chinmayee Govinda Raj
Mohamed Odeh
Cambrie Salyards
Amanda Stockton
author_facet Chinmayee Govinda Raj
Mohamed Odeh
Cambrie Salyards
Amanda Stockton
author_sort Chinmayee Govinda Raj
collection DOAJ
description This study introduces an innovative in situ lander/impact-penetrator design tailored for Discovery-class missions to Europa, specifically focused on conducting astrobiological analyses. The platform integrates a microfluidic capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detector (C4D), optimized for the detection of low-concentration salts potentially indicative of biological activity. Our microfluidic system allows for automated sample routing and precise conductivity-based detection, making it suitable for the harsh environmental and logistical demands of Europa’s icy surface. This technology provides a robust toolset for exploring extraterrestrial habitability by enabling in situ chemical analyses with minimal operational intervention, paving the way for advanced astrobiological investigations on Europa.
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spelling doaj-art-efe9d2eafb7f4dc5bba67bc3c460c9a52025-08-20T01:55:41ZengMDPI AGSensors1424-82202024-12-012423770410.3390/s24237704Early Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Development of the Microfluidic Inorganic Conductivity Detector for Europa and the Solenoid-Based Actuator Assembly for Impact PenetratorsChinmayee Govinda Raj0Mohamed Odeh1Cambrie Salyards2Amanda Stockton3Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 901 Atlantic Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, USAGeorgia Institute of Technology, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 901 Atlantic Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, USAGeorgia Institute of Technology, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 901 Atlantic Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, USAGeorgia Institute of Technology, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 901 Atlantic Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, USAThis study introduces an innovative in situ lander/impact-penetrator design tailored for Discovery-class missions to Europa, specifically focused on conducting astrobiological analyses. The platform integrates a microfluidic capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detector (C4D), optimized for the detection of low-concentration salts potentially indicative of biological activity. Our microfluidic system allows for automated sample routing and precise conductivity-based detection, making it suitable for the harsh environmental and logistical demands of Europa’s icy surface. This technology provides a robust toolset for exploring extraterrestrial habitability by enabling in situ chemical analyses with minimal operational intervention, paving the way for advanced astrobiological investigations on Europa.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/24/23/7704Europainstrumentationexobiologysolar system originprebiotic chemistry
spellingShingle Chinmayee Govinda Raj
Mohamed Odeh
Cambrie Salyards
Amanda Stockton
Early Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Development of the Microfluidic Inorganic Conductivity Detector for Europa and the Solenoid-Based Actuator Assembly for Impact Penetrators
Sensors
Europa
instrumentation
exobiology
solar system origin
prebiotic chemistry
title Early Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Development of the Microfluidic Inorganic Conductivity Detector for Europa and the Solenoid-Based Actuator Assembly for Impact Penetrators
title_full Early Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Development of the Microfluidic Inorganic Conductivity Detector for Europa and the Solenoid-Based Actuator Assembly for Impact Penetrators
title_fullStr Early Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Development of the Microfluidic Inorganic Conductivity Detector for Europa and the Solenoid-Based Actuator Assembly for Impact Penetrators
title_full_unstemmed Early Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Development of the Microfluidic Inorganic Conductivity Detector for Europa and the Solenoid-Based Actuator Assembly for Impact Penetrators
title_short Early Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Development of the Microfluidic Inorganic Conductivity Detector for Europa and the Solenoid-Based Actuator Assembly for Impact Penetrators
title_sort early technology readiness level trl development of the microfluidic inorganic conductivity detector for europa and the solenoid based actuator assembly for impact penetrators
topic Europa
instrumentation
exobiology
solar system origin
prebiotic chemistry
url https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/24/23/7704
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