Mass Spectrometer for observing lunar operations (MSolo)

Description

The Mass Spectrometer for observing lunar operations (MSolo) is designed to observe in situ volatiles and to examine the samples brought to the surface by the TRIDENT drill. It will also measure the composition of gases in the vicinity of the lunar lander, both from the lander and from the ambient exosphere, and changes in the environment with time.

MSolo is a modified commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) INFICON quadrupole mass spectrometer that can detect volatiles with atomic mass from 1-100 amu. It has a Faraday cup detector for high pressure analysis and an electron multiplier detector for low pressure analysis. It uses dual Y2O3/Ir filaments for electron beam ionization and has a calibration gas system. The mass resolution can distinguish isotopes such as deuterium/hydrogen and oxygen 18/oxygen 16. Thermal control is achieved by thermal isolation mounting, radiators, and multilayer insulation It has a mass of 6 kg and is 15.5 x 20 x 46 cm in size. It uses 35 W power on average and has a data return rate of 15 kbps