# Presentation: 003389

## Mars Science Laboratory MissionProject Science Integration Group(PSIG)Final Report

**June 6, 2003**

## MSL Project Science Integration Group Key Elements of Report 

_**Page**_
**3.****	****PSIG Charter**
**Membership**
**6.****	****Report Summary**
**8.****	****Proposed MSL Science Objective**
**10.****	****Mission Options Evaluated**
**12.****	****Prioritized Mission Options**
**13.****	****Prioritized Science Measurements**
**14.****	****Analytical Lab Measurements**
**17.****	****Remote Sensing Suite Measurements**
**19.****	****Contact Suite Measurements**
**20.****	****MSL Objectives Are Traceable to Guidance From Other Groups**
**MSL Payload**
**23.****	****Interdependence of Payload Elements**
**25.****	****Analytical Lab Precision Requirements**
**28.****	****Contact Suite Precision Requirements**
**Additional Findings Related to MSL Mission Functionality**
**37. ****	****Appendices**

## MSL Project Science Integration GroupCharter (1)

**Work with the MSL Project to define and prioritize options for scientifically exciting, implementable missions that follow Program directives and budget. (PSIG  comprises scientists, MSL Project leadership, and mission engineers.)**
**Options will include candidate strawman payloads and surface mission capabilities (mobility, subsurface access, sample selection, acquisition, preparation, and analysis, and landing location), and any trades among them.**
**Summarize the types of astrobiology investigations that have high scientific priority for MSL, and assess the state of development of the requisite instruments against the mission schedule.**
**Guidance for this effort includes the 2001 SDT report, science objectives from the MEPAG report, and the MSPSG report on long-range planning and the linkage between MSL and MSR.**

## MSL Project Science Integration GroupCharter (2)

**Determine the traceability of the proposed mission concepts and their objectives to the ****prioritized goals, objectives, investigations, and measurements outlined in the MEPAG (July 2001) document and to the mission objectives outlined in the NRC Decadal Study.**
**R****esolve issue of whether there exists a common solution for sample preparation and distribution (SPAD) for ice-rich or rock-only sample types.**
**Evaluate the “carbon provenance” issue raised at the February 2003 MEPAG meeting and ****whether the source of identified carbon-bearing materials, if any are detected, must be ascertained by MSL.**
**Determine whether ****the MSL mission landing zone can be restricted to 60°N to 60°S.**

## Membership

**MSL Project Science Integration Group**

_**Science Team**_
- Dan McCleese, JPL
- Jack Farmer, ASU
- David DesMarais, ARC
- Bruce Jakosky, U Colo.
- Gary Kocurek, U Texas
- Doug Ming, JSC
- Paul Mahaffy, GSFC
- Scott McLennan, SUNY
- David Paige, UCLA
- Jeff Taylor, U Hawaii
- Hunter Waite, U Mich.
- Blue denotes PSIG co-chairs

_**Project, Program, Ex-officio**_
- Frank Palluconi (MSL Proj. Sci.)
- Leslie Tamppari (MSL Dep. Proj. Sci.)
- Matt Golombek (ex-MSL Proj. Sci.)
- Mike Sander (MSL Proj. Mgr.)
- Jeff Simmonds (MSL Payload Mgr.)
- Charles Whetsel (Chief Eng.)
- Gentry Lee (Chief Eng.)
- Frank Jordan (Mgr. Adv. Plan.)
- David Beaty (Mars Sci. Office)
- Jim Garvin (NASA, Mars Lead Sci.)
- Bruce Banerdt (NetLander Co-I)
- Rich Zurek (PS, MRO)
- _Support_
- Marguerite Syvertson

## MSL Project Science Integration Group    Report Summary (1)

**The PSIG and Mars Science Community Have Identified Scientifically Exciting***** (Breakthrough)***** Options for the 2009 MSL Mission.**
**MSL ‘09 can be implemented with substantially reduced complexity and cost compared with the mission concept described by the MSL‘07 Project and Science Definition Team.**
**NASA should adopt***** Mars Habitability***** as the science goal for MSL.**
**Two scenarios are suggested for mission**
**Ancient Habitability: ****Highest priority mission; *****Enthusiastic support***
**Recent Habitability: ****Significantly lower priority; *****Supported***

## MSL Project Science Integration Group       Report Summary (2)

**MSL spacecraft definition is not sufficiently advanced to resolve other planning issues**
**The PSIG and the MSL Project doubt that the resources, as presented to PSIG, for MSL will be sufficient to fund the payloads needed to meet the science floors of scientifically supportable missions.**
**The pool of  *****in situ***** instruments likely to be flight-ready and that can meet the science floors of the suggested MSL missions is extremely limited.**
**If MSL is to be successful scientifically an aggressive program of advanced development of *****in situ***** instruments must be given high priority by NASA.**

## Mars Science Laboratory

**MSL Project Science Integration Group**
**Proposed Science Objective: **
**Mars Science Laboratory**

***Explore and Quantitatively Assess a Potential Habitat on Mars***

## MSL Project Science Integration GroupMSL Science Investigations

**Scientific Investigations Required to Achieve Objective:**
**A. ****	****Assess the **_**biological potential**_** of at least one target environment (past or present).**
**i.     Determine the nature and inventory of organic carbon compounds.  **
**ii.    Inventory the chemical building blocks of life (C, H, N, O, P, S).**
**iii.   Identify features that may record the actions of biologically-relevant processes. **
**B.  ****	****Characterize the **_**geology of the landing region**_** at all appropriate spatial scales.**
**i.    Investigate the chemical, isotopic, and mineralogical composition of martian surface and near-surface geological materials.  **
**ii.   Interpret the processes that have formed and modified rocks and regolith.**
**C.  ****	****Investigate planetary **_**processes that influence habitability**_**.**
**i.    Assess long-timescale (i.e., 4-billion-year) atmospheric evolution processes.**
**ii.   Determine present state, distribution, and cycling of water and CO****2****.**
***Note: This is not a prioritized list. PSIG judges these investigations to be the science floor for MSL.***

## MSL Project Science Integration GroupMission Options Evaluated

**MSL Mission Options for Implementing Investigations**
**Ancient Habitability**** Mission**
**Biological potential**
**Geology of the landing region**
**Processes that influence habitability**
**Recent Habitability Mission**
**Biological potential**
**Geology of the landing region**
**Processes that influence habitability**
**Recent Climate Mission**
**Processes that influence habitability**

- Rover /Analytical Payload

- Lander/Analytical Payload

## MSL Project Science Integration Group Attributes of MSL Mission Options

**Ancient Habitability Mission**
**Focus on past life and past habitats**
**Layered sedimentary deposits**
**Hydrothermal deposits**
**Mid-latitude landing site**
**Rover to reach and explore target terrains**
**Recent Habitability Mission**
**Focus on recent/present life and habitats**
**Polar Layered Deposits**
**Polar Cap Edge**
**Active hydrothermal system**
**Liquid Water**
**Primarily polar landing site (some mid-latitude)**
**Rover to reach and explore target terrains **
**Recent Climate Mission**
**Focus on understanding present climate**
**High latitude or polar water ice cap**
**Polar landing site**
**Fixed lander with vertical mobility via drill**

## MSL Project Science Integration GroupPrioritized Mission Options

**Ancient Habitability Mission**
**Highest Priority Mission Option** (Enthusiastically supported by PSIG)
- Exceptional science supportive of “Follow the Water” and MEPAG goals in astrobiology, climatology and geology.
- High probability of scientific success
**Recent Habitability Mission**
**Significantly Lower Priority **(Supported by PSIG)
- In this decade, we seek to understand the history of habitability in order to better assess the biological potential of Mars over time.
**Recent Climate Mission**
**Marginally Viable** (Not supported by majority of PSIG members)
- Static lander in N. polar region would address an insufficient portion of Mars Program objectives to justify this large core mission.
***PSIG conclusion: Further work on this option would not be productive.***

##           MSL Project Science Integration Group   Prioritized Science Measurements	The following section describes:		- Analytical Laboratory		- Remote Sensing Suite		- MSL Remote Sensing Suite

## MSL Project Science Integration Group Analytical Laboratory

**Approximate priority order**
**1. Nature, abundance, oxidation state, and isotopic properties of carbon compounds (organic and inorganic) over a range of molecular weights (depending on landing site: soils, ices, or interiors of rocks). **
**2. Definitive mineralogy and chemical composition (emphasize aqueous processes).**
**3. Molecular configuration and isotopic composition of elements other than C relevant to life (H, N, O, P, S) in rocks, soils, and the atmosphere (possibly ice).**
**4. Noble gas concentrations and isotope ratios.**
**5. Microscopy (basic geologic context, and record possible morphological biosignatures).**

**Essential Measurements**

## MSL Project Science Integration Group Analytical Laboratory

**Approximate priority order**
**6. Abundance and oxidation state of Fe, Mn and other redox sensitive metals, as a basis for understanding the range of potential energy sources available to support biological systems and for inferring geochemical cycles.**
**7. Martian surface oxidation chemistry, oxidation profile with depth, and characterize surface heterogeneity**

**Very Important Measurements**

## MSL Project Science Integration Group Analytical Laboratory

**Approximate priority order**
**8. ****Highly specific searches and hypothesis-driven measurements of chemistry and molecular processes (e.g. search for specific biomarkers).**** **

**Desirable High Risk Measurements**

## MSL Project Science Integration Group Remote Sensing Suite

**Approximate priority order**
**Geological context and site reconnaissance in the form of multi-color stereo images.**
**Distinguish rock types (e.g. mineralogy) and recognize and prioritize potential sampling sites.**

**Essential Measurements**

## MSL Project Science Integration Group Remote Sensing Suite

**Approximate priority order**
**3. Subsurface hydrogen (to a depth of 1-2 m).**
**Direct follow-up to Odyssey discoveries.**

**Very Important Measurements**

**Desirable Measurements**

**4. Images of distant objects at resolutions from cm’s to m’s**

## MSL Project Science Integration Group Contact Instrument Suite

**Essential Measurements**

** ****Approximate priority order**
- 1**.  Rapid mineralogy of undisturbed samples as input to sample selection for the Analytical Laboratory. **
**2.  Imaging for context in color and at hand-lens resolution.**

**Very Important Measurements**

**3.  Bulk chemistry of undisturbed samples for sample selection. **
**4.  Iron mineralogy of undisturbed samples. **

## MSL Project Science Integration Group MSL Objectives Are Traceable to Guidance From Other Groups

**PSIG’s Science Objectives for MSL  Are Consistent With Those Proposed by Other Science Committees**
- NRC “Next Decadal Survey” (2002) recommended MSL science objectives will be accomplished if NASA adopts the PSIG mission objectives for Ancient or Recent Habitability.
- A single exception is the Next Decadal Survey objective “Volatile Evolution” which is not included in the PSIG Ancient Habitability Mission. That mission’s focus on ancient Mars made volatile evolution a lesser priority.
- NASA’s Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG) prioritized objectives for future Mars exploration. PSIG’s objectives for MSL are all high priority MEPAG objectives.

## 	MSL Project Science Integration Group		    MSL Payload      The following section describes:			          - Payload Strategy		- Proof-of-Concept (Straw) Payload

## If hardware for alternate missions is identical, mission objectives can be determined by late-breaking discoveries and thus support multiple exploration Pathways.
Ancient and Recent Habitability Mission Options Share Common Payload Architectures
Analytical Laboratory
This is the highest priority element of MSL science mission
Central contribution to Mars exploration by MSL
Detailed in situ analysis of martian samples
Definitive mineralogy, chemistry, and high resolution textural information
Essential to achieving proposed MSL science goals
Remote Sensing Suite
Reconnaissance and site geological context 
Imaging and complementary mineralogy
Contact Instrument Suite
Sample triage and supplemental target analysis 
Microscopic imaging, complementary mineralogy and chemistry
Other Investigations (Addressing MEPAG priority science)  

**Ancient and Recent Habitability Mission Options Share Common Payload Architectures**
**Analytical Laboratory**
- This is the highest priority element of MSL science mission
- Central contribution to Mars exploration by MSL
- Detailed in situ analysis of martian samples
- Definitive mineralogy, chemistry, and high resolution textural information
- Essential to achieving proposed MSL science goals
**Remote Sensing Suite**
- Reconnaissance and site geological context
- Imaging and complementary mineralogy
**Contact Instrument Suite**
- Sample triage and supplemental target analysis** **
- Microscopic imaging, complementary mineralogy and chemistry
**Other Investigations **(Addressing MEPAG priority science)** **** **

**MSL Project Science Integration Group****Strategic Considerations: Payload**

## MSL Project Science Integration GroupInterdependence of Payload ElementsRemote Sensing Suite, Contact Suite and Analytical Laboratory 

**Remote Sensing Suite provides, in addition to its unique measurements, reconnaissance of potential local targets for the Contact Suite and Analytical Laboratory.**
**Contact Suite Precision requirements are valid only if a capable Analytical Laboratory is also included in Payload.**
**Contact Suite must be capable of performing complete set of analyses rapidly enough so as seamlessly interface with Analytical Lab (*****e.g.,***** single communication cycle with Earth).**
**Contact suite must be capable of performing analyses throughout the life of the mission.**

## MSL Project Science Integration Group  Payloads for Ancient and Recent Habitability Missions 

**Proof-of-Concept Payload: Identical for Both Ancient and Recent Habitability Mission Options***
**Analytical Laboratory**
**XRD/XRF**
**GCMS/EGA with TDL**
**Microscope**
**	****	****(Augmentation if funds available: Raman spectrometer, Oxidation instrument)**
**Remote Sensing Suite**
**Panoramic imager**
**Point IR Spectrometer**
**	****    ****(Augmentation if funds available: IR imaging, Neutron, and ********-ray spectrometers)**
**Contact Suite**
**Raman**
**Microscope/ Hand-lens**
**           ****(****Augmentation if funds available:**** APXS, Mössbauer)**
**** MSL Science Floor (Includes Only ******E******ssential Measurements) ***

## MSL Project Science Integration Group  Analytical Laboratory Precision Requirements (1)

**MSL Project Science Integration Group**** **** Analytical Laboratory Precision Requirements ****(1)**

## MSL Project Science Integration Group Analytical Laboratory Precision 	Requirements (2)

**MSL Project Science Integration Group**** ****Analytical Laboratory Precision ****	****Requirements ****(2)**

## MSL Project Science Integration Group  Analytical Laboratory Precision 	Requirements (3)

**MSL Project Science Integration Group**** **** Analytical Laboratory Precision ****	****Requirements ****(3)**

- _ __(Requirements for Augmented Payload)_

## MSL Project Science Integration Group Contact Suite Precision Requirements

**MSL Project Science Integration Group**** ****Contact Suite Precision Requirements**

- _ __(Requirements for Augmented Payload)_

## MSL Project Science Integration GroupAdditional Findings Related to MSL Mission Functionality

**Ample Allocations for Instrument Mass and Volume May Reduce MSL Cost-Risk**
**Spacecraft Design Must Be Latitude-Independent **
**MSL Landing Zone Must be Broad (60°N to 60°S)**
**Sample Preparation for Ice and Rock **
**Planetary Protection Issues for MSL**
**Carbon Provenance**
**Key to the Search for Organics on the Martian Surface is Identifying the Source of Carbon Compounds**
**“****Go To” Mobility is Not Required for MSL**
**Feed Forward to Mars Sample Return is Critical to Program Goals**

***The following section describes additional PSIG findings:***

## MSL Project Science Integration GroupAmple Allocations for Instrument Mass and Volume May Reduce MSL Cost-Risk

- Achieving the science objectives of MSL depends upon advanced *in situ* instruments.
- Developing the required instruments will be challenging.
*In situ* analytic instruments are typically based on laboratory equipment requiring orders of magnitude larger **mass**, **volume** and **power**.
- Several of the potential payload instruments have no flight heritage.
- Uncertainty of development cost could be large
- Similarly advanced subsystems comprising the MSL rover are designed with the philosophy of **“large allocations and large reserves” **to reduce cost-risk.
- Cost-risk will be reduced if  analytic instruments are given large **allocations** and reserves for **mass**, **volume** and **power** .

## MSL Project Science Integration GroupMSL Landing Zone Must be Broad  (60°N to 60°S)

**Maximizing the Science Impact of MSL**
**MSL will be most responsive to discoveries and of greatest impact to future Mars exploration *****if***** its landing latitude is selected no earlier than when initial MRO data is interpreted (late 2006 - early 2007).**
**Importance of timing arises from need to incorporate information from MRO before selecting between Ancient and Recent Habitat pathways.**
**MSL should maintain 60°N to 60°S as its achievable range of landing latitude until as late as is practical (~2007).**
**Sites in 60********S to 60********N region appear to exist that contain accessible ice where a suitably equipped MSL could address “recent habitability” science. **
**Latitude landing extremes assure access to ice.**
**MSL must be able to move and operate on ice and to collect and process ice samples.**
**Planetary Protection issues may arise if MSL lands on icy ground.**
**Discoveries from MRO may drive exploration to ice-rich recent habitats.**

## MSL Project Science Integration GroupSample Preparation for Ice and Rock

**PSIG has identified a common solution for *****sample preparation and distribution***** for ice-free and ice-bearing sample types.**
**• ****A sample preparation and distribution (SPAD) system with this increased capability will cost more than a simple rock-only system.**
**	****•  ****Additional features needed for an ice-bearing SPAD system.**
**	****-  Separate processing paths are needed for dry and icy samples.**
**	****-  Adjustments in surface operations are needed to maintain icy samples near their original temperatures.**
**	****-  A drying station will likely be needed in the SPAD to remove liquid that could compromise mechanisms and sample transfer chutes.**
**	****-  One additional instrument in science payload to distinguish ice from rock (ice-detecting geophysics) is highly desirable.**
**	****•  ****Incremental cost estimated to be $12M (+ cost of a drying station).**

## Planetary Protection Issues for MSL

**MSL Project Science Integration Group**
**Planetary Protection Issues for MSL**

***Possible Category IVa***

***Possible Category IVc***

*** ******Category ?***

- Planetary Protection (PP) issues may arise if MSL lands in a region where ice is thought to be at or close to the surface.
**Recent observations by Mars Odyssey and models of volatiles in the near subsurface suggest that this condition exists for most of Mars poleward of about 50******** latitude, and in some regions as low as 40 degrees. **
**The prospect of a warm MSL resting on ice raises the possibility of a high planetary protection categorization (perhaps IVc) for the mission. **
- A lower PP category (IVa) is  probable if MSL lands in  a region where ice (and water) are _out of reach_.

**Model of Depth to Ice in Martian Subsurface**

## MSL Project Science Integration GroupCarbon Provenance

**To merely  detect (or failure to detect) organic carbon is not sufficient for scientific purposes.**
**Identifying the source of carbon compounds is key (including forward contamination).**
- MSL should characterize the nature, alteration processes and, potentially, sources of carbon reservoirs by measuring several classes of oxidized and reduced carbon compounds at high sensitivity.
- A diverse suite of carbon compounds might be present that reflect potentially multiple carbon sources and alteration processes (e.g., meteorites, martian abiotic processes, martian biota, contamination from Earth, oxidation and thermal alteration in the martian environment).
- Potential quantitative investigation approaches exist. For example;
- MSL might characterize carbonate minerals and several classes of organic compounds (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAH], paraffins, carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids, and at least one class of terrestrial biomarkers [e.g., lipids, amino acids, or DNA/RNA]).
- Characterize several classes of organic compounds over a range of molecular weights
- Characterize 13C/12C of carbonates and organics
- MSL could characterize organic compounds relevant to prebiotic chemistry or martian life, and on indicator of earthly contamination (*e.g.*, RNA, biomonomers).

**MSL Project Science Integration Group****Carbon Provenance**

## MSL Project Science Integration Group“Go To” Mobility is Not Required

**FINDING: MSL does not require “Go To” mobility to achieve its scientific objectives.**
**The suggested science objectives for MSL do not require access to unique, localized features on the martian surface.**
**Although features of special interest will, hopefully, be discovered, such features are expected to occur in populations, rather than singly, and can reasonably be expected to be accessed with limited mobility (1-3 km).**
**Many localized features are large compared with expected landing errors**
**“****Go To” roving capability may be unnecessary for post-MSL Mars exploration, unless**
**Spatially isolated highly localized features or phenomena having priority for MEP are shown to exist on Mars.**
**Precision landing is inadequate to access localized science targets.**

## MSL Project Science Integration GroupFeed-Forward to Mars Sample Return is Critical to Program Goals

**Properly Planned, MSL Can Lower Risks and Costs of MSR**
**Program expectations for MSL include significant feed-forward to MSR in the following areas**
**Systems development for MSL can be used by MSR**
**Entry/Descent/Landing system for large mass lander**
**Technology demonstration by MSL supports MSR needs**
**A hazard detection and avoidance landing system**
**Methodologies for achieving planetary protection compliance.**
**If MSL were to be unable to provide feed-forward to MSR in systems development and technology demonstration science support for MSL will likely decrease while MSR-costs will likely rise.**

## Appendix 1

*Proof-of-Concept “Straw” Instruments for ****Analytical Laboratory****: Functionality Requirements*

## Measurements Matrix for Analytical Laboratory Straw Instruments

|  | XRD/XRF | EGA/GCMS | TDL
 | LD-TOF-MS | OX | IM | MLR | AAD | SEM/AFM | WEA |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Major species | X |  |  | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Mineral phases | X |  |  |  |  | X | X |  |  |  |
| Trace species |  |  |  | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Isotopes |  |  |  | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Salts & PH |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X |
| Volatile Organics |  | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Refractory Organics |  | X |  | X |  |  | X |  |  |  |
| Amino Acids & Biomarkers |  | X |  |  |  |  |  | X |  |  |
| Chirality |  | X |  |  |  |  |  | X |  |  |
| H2O |  | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| CO2 |  | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Other Volatiles CH4, N2O, OCS, CO, NH3, H2S etc. |  | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| C |  | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| N |  | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| O |  | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Noble Gases Isotopes |  | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Oxidizing Effects |  |  |  |  | X |  |  |  |  |  |
| Specific Oxidants |  | X | X |  | X |  |  |  |  |  |
| Microscopic Imaging |  |  |  | X |  | X |  |  | X |  |

**Mineralogy and chemistry**

**Organics**

**Evolved Gases**

**Isotopes**

**Ox**

**Im**

##   Analytical Laboratory Straw Instruments (1 of 3)

##   Analytical Laboratory Straw Instruments (2 of 3)

##   Analytical Laboratory Straw Instruments (3 of 3)

## Appendix 2

*Analytical Laboratory Measurement Precision and Sensitivity Requirements*

## Terms of Reference for PSIG Assessment

- Analytical Laboratory Measurement Precision and Sensitivity Requirements:
**Terms of Reference for PSIG Assessment**

-   Specify top level measurements for an analytical laboratory for the MSL driven by the science objectives developed by the PSIG.
-   For each measurement specify baseline precision, accuracy, sensitivity, and other requirements (e.g. number of samples processed, experiment duration, and contamination).
-   Consider instrument sets for both MSL mission options
-   Determine if these example payloads apply to the full range of mission types considered by the PSIG.
-   State assumptions made for measurement requirements for remote sensing and contact instruments in sample triage and for requirements for sample processing and acquisition.

## Carbon Compounds

**Scope of the measurement in priority order:**
-   A broad survey of types and abundances of carbon containing molecules in the atmosphere and carbon contained in solid phase materials, including their oxidation state, and their provenance .
-  A determination of the C isotopic composition of carbon containing compounds in these atmospheric and solid phase samples.
- A search for a range of more complex organic molecules.
- A characterization of the refractory macromolecular organic material (complex aromatic or polymeric materials) that may be present in solid phase samples.
-  A determination of chirality and a search for specific molecular types relevant to terrestrial life such as amino acids.

**Analytical Laboratory: Measurement Precision and Sensitivity Requirements**
_**Carbon Compounds**_
**Objectives and Scope**

## Carbon Compounds

**Cross Contamination**: The requirement for cross contaminationcontrol within the SPAD has been specified. Investigators should insure that cross contamination within their own experiments is not significantly worse than this specification.
**Sensitivity for organic detection:** Previous MEPAG committees have recommended that sensitivities of ~10-14 mole/100 mg sample be targeted. This is sufficient to detect organic carbon or its oxidation products delivered from meteoritic infall with gardening to a reasonable depth. The sensitivity required will depend somewhat on the species to be analyzed and the sample studied (rocks, soils, or ice) but no major class of organic species listed should be missed. The limit may be sample contamination from the lander.
**Precision in ****13****C/****12****C measurements of organics:** Terrestrial analogues suggest precisions of < 5 per mil would be useful to distinguish changes that are usually associated with biological activity. Optimally, this measurement should be carried out on individual organic molecules. However, an average for the sample would also be useful.
**Precision in isotopic measurement of non-organic carbon:** 13C/12C to <0.5‰ in atmospheric CO2 and in CO2 evolved from solid phase materials to address atmospheric loss mechanisms.
**Distribution of macromolecular material:** Spatially resolved measurements on the     scale of tens-of-microns to determine the source of the organic materials.

**Analytical Laboratory: Measurement Precision and Sensitivity Requirements**
_**Carbon Compounds**_
**Requirements**

## Mineralogy and Composition

_**Mineralogy and Composition**_
**Objectives, Scope and Sampling**

**Objectives:**** **Unambiguous identification of (a) major and minor minerals and (b) measurement of the bulk chemical composition for major, minor, and selected trace elements in soils and ices, rock surfaces, and rock interiors, to reveal the extent and duration of aqueous processing of these materials. **Igneous rocks:** Derived from depleted or undepleted mantle, extent of fractional crystallization, role of water in magma genesis and evolution. **Sedimentary rocks:** Nature of source rocks, extent of fractionation during transport, deposition of authigenic minerals. **Weathering products:** Conditions (T, pH, water/rock ratio, etc.) under which weathering took place, role of deposition of weathering fluids, evaporation.
**Scope (in priority order):**
-  Abundances and identification of silicates (including amorphous  and poorly-crystalline phases), phyllosilicates, carbonates, sulfates, sulfides, oxides, and phosphates.
-  Concentrations to high precision of elements present in amounts greater than 0.05 wt%.
-  Concentrations with lower precisions of  selected elements present in amounts greater than 25 ppm.
**Number of samples: **More than 50 thorough analyses for both mineralogy and chemical composition.

## Minerals 

_**Minerals **_
**Requirements**

**Minerals:** Must be able to identify, in priority order:
- Primary silicate
- Phyllosilicates (identify presence of major groups)
- Carbonates
- Oxides and oxyhydroxides
- Sulfates
- Amorphous or poorly-crystalline phases
- Sulfides
- Phosphates
**	****	****	****               ****Detection limit*               Precision******	****Accuracy****
**Major silicates****	****  ****	**1 vol%	     	5%	     10%
**Phyllosilicates****	**	1 vol%**	**	5%	     10%
**Others****	****	**1 vol%		10%	     15%
- 					*absolute abundance in volume percent
- 					**relative: the percentage of amount present

## Chemical Composition 

_**Chemical Composition**__** **_
**Requirement Summary**

**Bulk chemical composition:**
**Major elements (typically >5wt%, Si, Fe,Al, Mg, Ca):**
**	****	****Detection limit****	****Precision****	****         Accuracy**
**	****	****        **0.1 wt%	      2%	                5%
**Minor elements (>0.05 wt%; Ti, Cr, Mn, K, Na, P, S, Cl) ****(see PT note – “minor and trace elements)****:**
**	****	****Detection limit****	****Precision****	****         Accuracy**
**	****	****        **0.05 wt%	      5%	                10%
**Trace elements (<0.01 wt%; Zr, Sr, Sc, V, Ba, perhaps others): **
**	****	****	****	****Detection limit****	****Precision****	****         Accuracy**
- 	Zr, Sr, Sc, V, Ba**        ****	**25 ppm	     	      15%	                30%
**Priority order****:**
-  Si, Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, Na, K, Cl, S
-  Ti, Mn, Cr, P
- Trace elements

## Microscopic Morphology 

_**Microscopic Morphology **_
**Objectives, Scope, Requirements and Issues**

**Objective:**** **Microscopic morphology to provide basic geologic and lithologic characterization, contribute to understanding environment of formation, and to search for possible biosignatures.
**Scope:** Resolution capable of resolving overall morphology as well as small grain sizes and shapes and search for evidence of aqueous or non-aqueous processing.
**Requirements and rationale:**
-   **Spatial resolution:** <5 micrometer
-  Allows observations of grain shapes and surface textures
-  Allows determination of grain size distribution of fine fractions
-  Allows observations of mineral intergrowths at small scales
-  Allows distinction between igneous and sedimentary deposits
-  Non optical techniques in an enhanced mission (SEM or ATF) could enable much higher resolution.
**  ****100 micrometer field of view**
-  Provides context for microscopic imaging by overlapping magnification of mast or arm imager(s)
-  Allows observations of rock textures and mineral intergrowths

## Other Light Elements 

**Scope:**
- Establish the chemical nature of non carbon volatiles relevant to life (H, N, O, P, and S) that may be present at the sites sampled either in the atmosphere or in the solid phase soils, ices, or rocks.
-  Oxidation state of these volatiles (i.e.. H2S vs SO2, NH3 vs nitrogen oxides etc.).
- Measurement of key isotopes in the atmosphere and the rocks, soils, and ices. There is a long list of desired measurements but priority targets are H, N, and O isotopes in different molecular species. Success for solid phase materials depends partially on the nature of the solids encountered and their volatile fraction.
- Enhanced precision of volatile measurements, including evidence for biological fractionation and/or seasonal variations (if sufficient evidence of such variations are demonstrated by modeling and/or observations).

**Analytical Laboratory: Measurement Precision and Sensitivity Requirements**
_**Other Light Elements**__** **_
**Objectives and Scope**

## Other Light Elements

_**Other Light Elements**_
**Requirements and Issues**

**Atmosphere samples:** At each site visited, detect H, N, O, P, and S containing volatiles in the atmosphere to mixing ratios of several ppb and several percent precision.
**Solid phase samples:** For each sample acquisition and processing activity determine H, N, O, P, and S containing volatiles contained in these samples to ppm of evolved gas. Released H2O and CO2 should be measured in all cases to <10 ‰ precision.
**Isotope measurements:**
-  D/H in H2O (atmosphere and solid phase materials +/- 10‰)
-  18O/16O and 17O/16O in atmospheric H2O and CO2 <0.5‰
-  15N/14N in atmospheric N2 <1‰
-  15N/14N in simple nitrogen molecules evolved from solid phase materials  <5‰
-   18O/16O and 17O/16O in H2O and CO2 from solid phase materials  <1‰

## Noble Gas Abundance and Isotope Ratios

**Scope of the measurement and precision requirements to address the above objectives: **
-  Atmospheric noble gas abundances of He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe to <2%
-  Atmospheric 36Ar/38Ar  <2%, 40Ar/36Ar <5%. The 36Ar/38Ar is presently not well determined. Constrains models of atmospheric sputtering loss.
-  Atmospheric 20Ne/22Ne <1%, 21Ne/22Ne < 5%. The 21Ne/22Ne is presently completely unknown. These measurements may constrain delivery of volatiles to the atmosphere from hydrothermal activity.
-  Atmospheric Kr and Xe to <1% for major isotopes, <2% for minor isotopes. The minor Xe isotopes may enable ancient atmospheric exchange processes with planetary reservoirs to be evaluated.

**Analytical Laboratory: Measurement Precision and Sensitivity Requirements**
_**Noble Gas Abundance and Isotope Ratios**_
**Objectives, Scope, Requirements and Issues**

## Redox Sensitive Metals

_**Redox Sensitive Metals**_
**Objectives, Scope, Requirements and Issues**

**Objectives: **Determine abundance and oxidation state of Fe and other redox sensitive metals, as a basis for understanding the range of potential energy sources available to support biological systems and for inferring geochemical cycles** **
**Scope of measurement objectives in priority order:**
-  Determine the relative abundance of iron-bearing minerals(e.g. carbonates, phyllosilicates, hydroxyoxides, phosphates, oxides, silsicates, sulfides, sulfates).
- Measure the Fe+2 to Fe+3 ratio
- Determine the size distribution of magnetically-ordered particles
- Determine the relative abundance of other redox sensitive metals within minerals
**Requirements: **
**Major elements (> 10wt%, Fe, Mg):**
**	****	****Detection limit****	****Precision****	****         Accuracy**
**	****	****        **0.1 wt%	      2%	                5%
**Intermediate elements (1-10 wt%; Al, [Mg]):**
**	****	****Detection limit****	****Precision****	****         Accuracy**
**	****	****        **0.05 wt%	      5%	                10%
**Minor (0.1-1 wt%) and trace elements (<0.1 wt%): **
**	****	****Detection limit****	****Precision****	****         Accuracy**
-  	**	****        **0.1 wt%	      10%	                20%

## Contact Suite Utility and Requirements

- Appendix 3

## MSL Contact Suite Utility and RequirementsSummary

- _Purposes_ of Contact Suite are (1) Facilitate sample selection for Analytical Lab and (2) Carry-out high quality science of material not delivered to Lab.
- _Essential Measurements_ are (1) Rapid mineralogy of undisturbed samples and (2) Color imaging at hand lens resolution.
- _Very Important Measurements_ are (1) Bulk chemistry of undisturbed samples and (2) Iron mineralogy of undisturbed samples.
- Contact Suite requirements were considered within the context of having a capable Analytical Laboratory.
- For chemistry and iron mineralogy, improvements over MER-like capabilities are desired but not necessary
- For microscopic imaging, color and stereo capability are required; further improvements over MER-like capabilities are desired but not necessary
- Contact Suite needs to be capable of performing complete set of analyses rapidly enough so as not to interfere with speed at which Analytical Lab operates (*e.g.,* single communication cycle with Earth)
- Contact Suite needs to be capable of performing analyses throughout the life of the mission.

**A Contact Suite building on MER-like capability, but also able to determine major mineralogy and image in color, would allow reliable sample selection for the Analytical Laboratory and provide first-rate stand alone science.**

## Purposes of Contact Suite

- Contact Suite should be used to select samples and support sample decision-making for Analytical Laboratory
- Screen sampling locations
- Screen samples obtained (triage)
- Possibly view pre-processed and (possibly) post-processed samples
- Conduct additional science investigations that are not Analytical Lab-based
- Includes studies both during time analytical lab is functional and after it is “exhausted”

- MSL Contact Suite Utility and Requirements

## MSL Contact Suite Utility and RequirementsRequirements for EssentialMeasurements (1)

- _Rapid Mineralogy_
- Must have sufficient capability to identify major minerals and, in conjunction with other measurements, such as color imaging,  characterize lithology on unprepared and cleaned surfaces
- Should be capable of identifying and distinguishing among amorphous phases (*e.g.,* silica, volcanic glass, palagonite).
- Require reliable identification of minerals of ≥5% by volume (2% desired).

## MSL Contact Suite Utility and RequirementsRequirements for EssentialMeasurements (2)

- _Color Imaging_
- Assume high resolution microscopy will be performed in Analytical Lab
- Require MER-like resolution (30 m/pixel) and ability to produce stereo images, but further improvements highly desirable (*e.g.,* 10-20 m/pixel maximum resolution with multiple fields of view; improved depth of field)
- Color is required - minimum 3-color RGB filters
- Desired improvements over MER-performance should also include, in priority order:
- Robust focusing ability to cover desired fields of view.
- Multiple fields of view (*e.g.,* 1mm, 1 cm, 10 cm) or continuous zoom would greatly improve context of the images and is highly desirable
- Higher maximum resolution (to about 10 m) is acceptable but only in context of multiple fields-of-view.  Higher resolution is not a priority.
- Spectral characterization of target in over 400-1,100 nm is desirable

## MSL Contact Suite Utility and RequirementsRequirements for Very Important Measurements (1)

- _Rapid Geochemistry_
- MER-like capability is sufficient
- Improvements in detection limits and precision, *beyond what is available through longer counting times,* are desirable
- Required detection limits of 0.5 wt % (0.1 wt % desired)
- For elements at high abundance (>10%, *e.g.,* Si, Fe) require precision of 5% and accuracy of 10 % relative; desire 2% / 5%, respectively.
- For elements at lower abundance require precision of 10% and of accuracy 20% relative; desire 5% / 10%, respectively.

## MSL Contact Suite Utility and RequirementsRequirements for Very Important Measurements (2)

- _Iron Mineralogy_
- MER-like capability is sufficient
- Improvements in detection limits and precision, *beyond what is available through longer counting times,* is desirable
- Must detect major Fe-bearing minerals where Fe is significant part of mineral stoichiometry (*e.g.,* hematite) or as a major substitution (*e.g.,* phyllosilicates)
- Analytical requirements for common minerals where Fe is major part of stoichiometry
- Require detection limits of 10 vol% (desire 3 vol%)
- Required precision of 20% and accuracy of 30% relative; desire 5% / 10%, respectively.

## Appendix 4

- Requirements for
***Sample Acquisition, Delivery and Processing***

## Sample Selection and Acquisition:

** ****Functional Requirements**

_**Sample Selection**_
- Microscope, & macro camera, spectrometer and other sensors to evaluate potential sampling sites prior to sample collection.
_**Sample Acquisition**_
- Regolith sample via simple scoop, sufficient articulation for trenching.
- Rock abrasion tool (e.g. RAT on MER)
- Rock drill/mini-corer with depth capability of 10 cm, and sampling depth resolution at least as fine as 5 cm.
- For rock and regolith samples, the system should be capable of acquiring samples at least 5 gm in size.
- Core/Drill process minimizes temperature rise in sample.
- The capability of introducing an atmospheric sample into the instruments will be provided.

## Sample Preparation and Distribution: Functional Requirements

**The general issues of sample comminution, splitting, surfacing, storage, transfer, contamination control, sieving, disposal, and operations have been studied by the 2002 SPAD Study Group. Their findings include:**
- The capability to introduce samples into instrument ports BOTH directly and through a rock crusher should be provided, if requested by the PIs.
- A crushing specification of <1mm is appropriate for now (but may need to be revised somewhat after instrument selection)
-  The crushing process will provide sufficient sample homogenization prior to delivery to the Analytical Laboratory instruments.
- The system need support processing only a single sample at one time.
- Macro/Microscope and Spectrometer observes sample after crushing (to observe broken surfaces) and prior to delivery to Analytical Laboratory instruments

## Thermal and Contamination Requirements on Sample Acquisition and Processing

**Chemical contamination:**
-  System cleanout and reset must limit cross contamination to < 0.5% of previous sample (with 0.2% as a goal).
-  Construction of sample processing system must minimize potential contamination of samples.
-  Particular attention must be paid to contamination in the form of volatiles transferred into the sample processing system from the other parts of the lander system.
**Thermal alteration:**
-  Some instruments measure volatiles released from the samples upon thermal processing. Exposing samples to above ambient temperatures prior to processing is highly undesirable. Some Analytical Laboratory instruments will not require thermally unperturbed samples.

## Appendix 5

*Astrobiology-Focused Science Objectives*

## Astrobiology-Focused Science Objectives (1 of 2)

**Characterize the **_**geology**_** of the landing site (at different scales) so that analytic data can be interpreted in context.**
- Regional and local geology
- Primary mineralogy and texture of crustal materials, and any superimposed alteration or diagenetic effects.
**Determine if **_**liquid water persisted**_** at the landing site, either on the surface or in the shallow subsurface:**
- Perform one or more of the following depending on location
- Determine if stratified rock sequences observed on Mars formed by _sedimentation in water_.
- Characterize _surface or subsurface ice_ most relevant to astrobiology and the environment in which it resides.
- Test hypotheses of _recent_ (or even modern) _near-surface water_ (e.g. gullies, seeps, hydrothermal systems).

- Astrobiology-Focused Science Objectives (1 of 2)

## Astrobiology-Focused Science Objectives (2 of 2)

- Complete some of the following (listed in approximate priority order)
- Determine the chemical state and abundance of the _basic chemical building blocks of life_ (compounds of C, H, N, O, P, S) in rocks, regolith (certain ice?).
- Determine the _biogeochemical processes_ that have affected interactions among these elements, including
- Physicochemical environmental parameters (pH, fO2, T, time)
- Cycling between crustal and atmospheric reservoirs.
- History of C reservoirs and processes in the crust and atmosphere
- Understand the _chemical evolution of the atmosphere_, and implications for past habitability.
- Determine the _chemical speciation_ of Fe and other _redox sensitive metals_, to understand their potential either as biosignatures, as energy sources for life, or as indicators of past environments.
- Describe features (including textural, mineralogical and chemical) that may be possible biosignatures.

- Astrobiology-Focused Science Objectives (2 of 2)

## Appendix 6

*Availability of In Situ Astrobiology Instruments:*
*Request for Information (RFI) from Experimenters*

## Availability of In Situ Astrobiology Instruments

- Request for information on availability and development status of Astrobiology Instruments for MSL ‘09
- Released RFI Dec. 18, 2002; responses due Jan. 17, 2002
- 97 instrument responses received

- _Responses:_
- 57 domestic, 40 foreign
- 38 contact suite
- 34 analytic laboratory
- 17 remote sensing suite/mast
- 8 other/support equipment
- 74 instruments at or above TRL 4

## Appendix 7

*Acquiring and Processing Ice-Bearing and Ice-Free Samples*

## Collecting Quality Ice-Bearing Samples

**Ice is certain to have an heterogeneous subsurface-distribution at the scale of our sampling hardware.**
**   ****Probability of collecting an ice-bearing sample would be significantly improved by including:**
- At least one ice-sensing geophysical instrument (e.g. GRS, high-frequency radar sounder or other)
- Subsurface access capability
- Require: At least 0.3-0.5 m
- Desired: 1.5 m
- Ability to use at multiple sites.
- Access to near-surface ice is substantially improved near poles.

- Acquiring and Processing Ice-Bearing and Ice-Free Samples

## Implications for NASA’s MSL AO and Responding Proposals

- Acquiring and Processing Ice-Bearing and Ice-Free Samples

- Announcement of Opportunity would need to specify:
- MSL will have the capability to collect both ice-free and ice-bearing samples
- Ice-free samples will go through a facility preparation process, and the ice-bearing samples will be delivered in raw state.
- Proposals for Analytical Laboratory Instruments would need to specify:
- Whether an instrument would need to receive one or both sample types.
- If both, instrument will need to have two inlets, one of which is fed by the “dry” sample preparation system, and the other receives raw samples.

## Implications for Mission: Summary

- Acquiring and Processing Ice-Bearing and Ice-Free Samples

**PSIG Conclusion: It Is Possible to Design a Single System Capable of Preparing and Analyzing Both Ice-free and Ice-bearing Samples.**
_**Implications of this capability:**_
**Adding a requirement to access ice and/or to understand ice-related geological and geochemical processes, would have the following implications for MSL.**
**Additional requirements on the sample collection system**
**Acquire and deliver ice samples in a form that can be scientifically analyzed.**
**Additional requirements on the sample preparation and analysis system.**
**Probable increase in planetary protection requirements**
**Possible need for one additional instrument in science payload (ice-detecting geophysics).**
**This is a mission enabling capability: **
**The decision on landing latitude to be deferred until late in the mission development process.**

## Appendix 8

*Carbon Provenance: *
*Science and Analytical Requirements*

## Carbon ProvenancePotential Sources of Carbon Compounds at Mars 

- Meteoritic infall
- Aromatics, high molecular weight residues, carbonates
- Known tracer - methanesulfonic acid
- Altered by martian surficial processes?  - to, e.g., hexacarboxylic benzene
- Martian abiotic processes
**Carbonates,** aromatics, paraffins, methane
- Altered by martian surficial processes?   Oxidation, etc. reactions
- Martian biotic processes?
- Amino acids, lipid and hydrocarbon biomarkers, polysaccharides, aromatics
- Altered by martian crustal processes? Oxidation, thermal, etc. reactions
- Contamination
- e.g., Amino acids: Highly sensitive, highly specific, and sensitive with regard to oxidative diagenesis
- Genetic material: Extraordinary sensitivity needed

## Carbon ProvenanceObjectives and Scope of Suggested Carbon Measurements

**Scope of measurements (in priority order):**
- Broad survey of types and abundance of carbon containing molecules in the atmosphere and carbon contained in solid phase materials including their oxidation state.
- Determination of the C isotopic composition of carbon containing compounds in these atmospheric and solid phase samples.
- Search for a range of more complex organic molecules.
- Characterization of the refractory macromolecular organic material (complex aromatic or polymeric materials) that may be present in solid phase samples.
- Determination of chirality and a search for specific molecular types relevant to terrestrial life such as amino acids.

- Carbon ProvenanceObjectives and Scope of Suggested Carbon Measurements