Abstract

Gas chromatography (GC) is the preferred analytical technique for the in situ search for organic molecules in extraterrestrial environments since it meets the severe requirements imposed by flight conditions: short analysis time and low energy consumption, robustness, storage for long periods under extreme conditions, high efficiency and sensitivity, automation, and remote control operations. Exploration of our solar system has been fundamentally motivated by the search for chemical biomarkers that could provide evidence of extinct or extant life. GC instruments have been successfully installed on probes for in situ space exploration: the payloads have even included pyr-GC-MS systems composed of a pyrolyzer (pyr) device for analyzing organic compounds in atmospheres and soils at ppb concentration levels.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.