The Impact of LIBS on Space Exploration: Mars
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is being used to propel many space exploration missions forward. In this two-part article, we recap a recent study that explores the role LIBS is playing in space exploration.
Space exploration is an important scientific discipline that has far-reaching implications for humanity’s future. Much of the interest in this field is about exploring the stars and galaxies outside the Milky Way, as well as the celestial bodies, planets, and asteroids that inhabit the Milky Way. Learning more about the formation of these objects can help us to learn more about our own planet, and how we can unlock the secrets to better understand the universe.
Spectroscopy has played a critical role in this field. Many spectroscopic techniques, such as Raman, infrared (IR), and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) have been used to conduct several scientific experiments relating to outer space (1,2). A recent review article published by researchers based in Brno, Czech Republic, recently published a study in TrAC: Trends in Analytical Chemistry that focused on the direct impact LIBS has made in space exploration (3).
LIBS is an atomic spectroscopy technique that can measure the concentration of trace and major elements in solid, liquid, or gas samples (4). LIBS is known as a spot analysis technique, which means that it can measure spatial changes in material composition (4). LIBS requires the use of lasers, and the most popular laser used in LIBS measurements is a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser (4). Depending on the analysis being conducted, LIBS can employ a single-pulse or double-pulse laser. A single-pulse laser excites and ablates atoms using only a single laser pulse, whereas a double-pulse LIBS uses two laser pulses (4).
LIBS is a technique that has several strengths and limitations. Starting with the limitations, there is still uncertainty with the laser–material interaction and “matrix effect” (4,5). As a result, variations in intensity do occur because the laser is not consistent with how it interacts with the sample for every laser pulse (4). However, on the other hand, LIBS enables analysts to conduct their analysis quickly, and it doesn’t require any advanced sample preparation (4).
As a result, LIBS is a good technique to use for space exploration applications. Because of its ability to analyze elemental composition of celestial solid surfaces, it has been used in many space exploration missions, including on Mars (3). Using LIBS has allowed scientists to acquire detailed in-situ analysis of the planet's surface, which is essential for accomplishing the long-term goal of sending astronauts to the Red Planet.
Red planet Mars surface. Exploration and expedition on red planet. Elements of this image furnished by NASA. | Image Credit: © dimazel - stock.adobe.com
The impact of LIBS has been seen on many rovers that have explored Mars. For example, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched the Curiosity rover back in 2012. The ChemCam instrument that was aboard this rover used LIBS to perform over 900,000 laser shots to analyze Martian rocks and soil (3). This mission was successful, and it prompted NASA to use LIBS and Raman spectroscopy in their next rover to continue their exploration of Mars. This rover, called Perseverance, has been covered extensively, detailing its numerous capabilities and findings (6,7). Perseverance has helped scientists learn even more about the Red Planet and its geology (3).
Similarly, China’s Zhurong rover, part of the Tianwen-1 mission, employs the MarSCoDe instrument, which integrates LIBS for investigating Mars' surface composition (3). MarSCoDe can work at a distance of 1.6–1.7 m from the sample, and it has the ability to detect trace elements on the Martian surface while being further away from the sample (8).
These missions underscore LIBS’ ability to analyze samples remotely, even in the challenging conditions of the Martian atmosphere, where low pressure and extreme temperatures can affect instrumentation. By delivering actionable data on mineralogy and potential resources, LIBS has laid the groundwork for future human exploration and In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). ISRU is the process and study of local resources, such as those found on the Moon or Mars, which might be used to support future human settlements and exploration. Such knowledge would be used to reduce the need to transport some material from Earth (3).
In the next part of this article, we’ll examine the role of LIBS in lunar and asteroid exploration.
Our exploration of the role of LIBS in space exploration continues here.
References
- Spectroscopy Staff, Spectroscopy and Space Exploration: Mars – The Red Planet. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/spectroscopy-and-space-exploration-mars-the-red-planet (accessed 2024-11-18).
- Spectroscopy Staff, Spectroscopy and Space Exploration: Planetary Bodies and other Celestial Objects. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/spectroscopy-and-space-exploration-planetary-bodies-and-other-celestial-objects-landing-page (accessed 2024-11-18).
- Saeidfirozeh, H.; Kubelik, P.; Laitl, V.; et al. Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy in Space Applications: Review and Prospects. TrAC Trends Anal. Chem. 2024, 181 Part B, 117991. DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2024.117991
- McMillan, N. Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). Carleton.edu. Available at: https://serc.carleton.edu/msu_nanotech/methods/libs.html (accessed 2024-11-18).
- L’Heureux, M. Key Challenges in LIBS—and How to Solve Them. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/key-challenges-libs-and-how-solve-them (accessed 2024-11-18).
- Wetzel, W. New Study Reveals How NASA’s Perseverance Rover Uses LIBS for Precise Mars Rock Analysis. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/new-study-reveals-how-nasa-s-perseverance-rover-uses-libs-for-precise-mars-rock-analysis (accessed 2024-11-18).
- Wetzel, W. Using Raman Spectroscopy to Detect Life on Mars. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/using-raman-spectroscopy-to-detect-life-on-mars (accessed 2024-11-18).
- Zhang, Y.; Ren, X.; Chen, Z.; et al. Wavelength Calibration for the LIBS Spectra of the Zhurong Mars Rover. Remote Sens. 2023, 15 (6), 1494. DOI: 10.3390/rs15061494
The Impact of LIBS on Space Exploration: Lunar and Asteroid Exploration
November 19th 2024Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is being used frequently in space exploration missions. In this article, we review how LIBS is being used to increase our knowledge of the Moon and certain asteroids.
Laser Ablation Molecular Isotopic Spectrometry: A New Dimension of LIBS
July 5th 2012Part of a new podcast series presented in collaboration with the Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies (FACSS), in connection with SciX 2012 — the Great Scientific Exchange, the North American conference (39th Annual) of FACSS.
New Study Reveals How NASA’s Perseverance Rover Uses LIBS for Precise Mars Rock Analysis
November 12th 2024NASA’s Perseverance rover is collecting valuable information for scientists back on Earth. A recent study explored how laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is being used to analyze the Martian surface.
