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Mars Spark Source PrototypeThe Mars Spark Source Prototype (MSSP) hardware has been developed as part of a proof of concept system for the detection of trace metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic in Martian dusts and soils. A spark discharge produces plasma from a soil sample and detectors measure the optical emission from metals in the plasma that will allow their identification and quantification. Trace metal measurements are vital for the assessment of the potential toxicity of the Martian environment for human exploration. The current method of X-ray fluorescence can yield concentrations only of major species. Other instruments are incompatible with the volume, weight, and power constraints for a Mars mission. The instrument will be developed primarily for use in the Martian environment, but would be adaptable for terrestrial use in environmental monitoring. This paper describes the Mars Spark Source Prototype hardware, the results of the characterization tests, and future plans for hardware development.
Document ID
19990116903
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Eichenberg, Dennis J.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Lindamood, Glenn R.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Weiland, Karen J.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
VanderWal, Randall L.
(National Center for Microgravity Research on Fluids and Combustion Cleveland, OH United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1999
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Report/Patent Number
E-11940
NAS 1.15:209448
NASA/TM-1999-209448
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 274-00-00
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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