In-Situ Chemical Analysis of Extraterrestrial Material Captured in Aerogel

Physics

Scientific paper

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Aerogel, Analysis: Chemical, Comets: Sample Return, Interplanetary Dust Particles, Orbital Capture

Scientific paper

High-speed interplanetary dust and orbital debris can be collected non-destructively using aerogel capture cells on earth- orbiting spacecraft and the STARDUST comet sample return mission. In-situ chemical analysis of captured particles is highly desirable for initial classification as space debris or interplanetary dust, allowing quick determination of the dust to debris ratio, and selection of an appropriate analytical protocol for each particle based on a prior knowledge of its type. In a proof-of-principle experiment the X-Ray Microprobe at the National Synchrotron Light Source was used to analyze 50 micron diameter Allende fragments shot into 20 mg/cc silica aerogel at 3 to 6 km/s. A one-second data acquisition allowed determination of Fe/Ni ratios. Five minute data acquisitions allowed analysis of Fe, Ni, Cu, and Zn in Allende fragments as deep as 5 mm below the aerogel surface and Ca was detected in fragments up to 3.6 mm below the surface, demonstrating the ability to identify chondritic material, and distinguish it from orbital debris, by in-situ chemical analysis.

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