Volatile Sample Return in the Solar System

Joshua E Schlieder,Daniel P Glavin,Scott A Sandford,Jamie E Elsila,Stefanie N Milam ,M E Zolensky ,R M Stroud ,M Wadhwa ,K Nakamura‐Messenger ,J L Mitchell ,L R Nittler ,Elisa V Quintana ,A J Westphal ,M G Trainer ,M Neveu ,J Parker ,S J Clemett ,Perry A Gerakines,Jason P Dworkin,Dennis Bodewits

doi:10.3847/25c2cfeb.d94f26c7

Abstract

We advocate for the realization of volatile sample return from various destinations including: small bodies, the Moon, Mars, ocean worlds/satellites, and plumes. As part of recent mission studies (e.g., Comet Astrobiology Exploration SAmple Return (CAESAR) and Mars Sample Return), new concepts, technologies, and protocols have been considered for specific environments and cost. Here we provide a plan for volatile sample collection and identify the associated challenges with the environment, transit/storage, Earth re-entry, and curation. Laboratory and theoretical simulations are proposed to verify sample integrity during each mission phase. Sample collection mechanisms are evaluated for a given environment with consideration for alteration. Transport and curation are essential for sample return to maximize the science investment and ensure pristine samples for analysis upon return and after years of preservation. All aspects of a volatile sample return mission are driven by the science motivation: isotope fractionation, noble gases, organics and prebiotic species; plus planetary protection considerations for collection and for the sample. The science value of sample return missions has been clearly demonstrated by previous sample return programs and missions. Sample return of volatile material is key to understanding (exo)planet formation, evolution, and habitability. Returning planetary volatiles poses unique and potentially severe technical challenges. These include preventing changes to samples between (and including) collection and analyses, and meeting planetary protection requirements.

Highlights

Volatiles –defined here as elements or compounds that are gases or liquids at standard state– play critical roles in wide swaths of planetary science
Asteroids, moons, and outer Solar-System bodies inform the Solar System’s starting materials, protoplanetary disk processes, geological and geochemical processes, interactions with the space environment, and the types of volatiles delivered to the terrestrial planets early in Solar System history
The permanently-shadowed craters of the Moon may contain a record of solar system volatile reservoirs but they are extremely challenging environments in which to operate

Summary

Introduction

Volatiles –defined here as elements or compounds that are gases or liquids at standard state– play critical roles in wide swaths of planetary science. Sample return of volatile material is key to understanding (exo)planet formation, evolution, and habitability. Sample return from its near-surface would enable measurements of the distribution of volatiles and organics and their isotopic and enantiomeric compositions to elucidate their synthesis pathways (Fig. 1; see Ceres PMCS report).

Results

Conclusion