What Role is Mass Spectrometry Playing in Exploring Outer Space?

The critical role that spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS) is playing in space exploration cannot be overstated. From advanced instruments such as ChemCam and SuperCam to rovers like Perseverance, the development of new tools is helping astronomers and scientists explore celestial bodies in the Milky Way galaxy like our Moon and one of Jupiter’s moons, Europa.^1–4

In this overview, we explain how MS and spectroscopic techniques such as laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and laser ablation molecular isotopic spectrometry (LAMIS) are helping researchers identify elemental compositions and isotopic distributions in extraterrestrial environments.

To start this conversation, how are spectroscopic techniques currently being utilized on recent missions to Mars, and what are their primary objectives?

Spectroscopic techniques are being used to help build instrument suites and new devices that can study planetary and lunar surfaces. For example, at Los Alamos National Laboratory, spectroscopic techniques are being used on ChemCam and SuperCam, both of which are currently active on Mars.³ For ChemCam, LIBS is utilized alongside a context imager to determine the elemental composition of targets at a standoff distance of up to seven meters.¹ For SuperCam, it incorporates several spectroscopic techniques. Apart from LIBS, SuperCam also incorporates Raman spectroscopy, luminescence, and infrared (IR) spectroscopy.¹ These tools allow scientists to gather mineralogical information and search for potential biosignatures by identifying molecular structures rather than just individual elements.¹ By ablating samples with a laser and observing the resulting plasma, these rovers provide a daily stream of data regarding the Martian crust.¹

What is the current state of mass spectrometry in solar system exploration?

As the above paragraph makes clear, spectroscopic techniques are being routinely incorporated into rovers. On the other hand, mass spectrometry (MS) is being used to improve resolution.² The newest high-profile instrument is the Mass Spectrometer for Planetary Exploration (MASPEX). This instrument is part of the Europa Clipper mission to one of Jupiter’s moons.² MASPEX is designed to detect life-sustaining molecules and boasts the highest resolution and mass range currently in space.² What is most important about MASPEX is that it allows large molecules to be detected, and these molecules were not detectable in the past.² Furthermore, the advancement of mass analyzers is encouraging innovation in ionization sources, potentially moving beyond standard electron ionization to more specialized techniques.²

What are the engineering challenges of operating these delicate instruments in the harsh environment of space?

When developing instruments for outer space, there are several critical variables that must considered: size; weight; and power consumption. Often known as SWaP, this framework helps ensure that instruments are small and light enough to fit on a rover while remaining energy efficient.¹

Meanwhile, the environment of space is extremely harsh, as most know. Between the vacuum conditions, radiation, and extreme temperature fluctuations, all instruments sent to outer space must be able to withstand these conditions.¹ That is why every instrument sent out into space undergoes a series of rigorous tests that simulate not just space conditions, but also the launch and landing process. For example, at Los Alamos National Laboratory, engineers use shock and vibration tables to simulate the violence of a launch and landing, as well as thermal vacuum chambers to ensure that optics do not shift as materials expand and contract in the absence of an atmosphere.¹

Is the lunar environment more challenging than Mars for plasma-based instruments?

For plasma-based instruments, the answer is yes. This is because atmosphere of the Earth’s Moon is a vacuum.² On the other hand, Earth and Mars have an atmosphere, so the air helps contain the laser-generated plasma and prevent it from dissipating too quickly and making it easier to detect.² However, in a vacuum-like environment such as the one on the Moon, the plasma expands and dissipates almost instantly, which results in much lower intensity signals and reduced sensitivity.²

Could you explain the significance of laser ablation molecular isotopic spectrometry (LAMIS) for future missions?

LAMIS is designed to provide isotope distributions from geologic samples optically.^2,4 Although it uses the same hardware as LIBS, it detects emissions at a later time, allowing molecular diatomics to form.² As a result, LAMIS can tells us additional information about the sample, such as where it came from, how old it is, and what geological processes affected the land in that area.⁴ It relaxes the requirements for instrument resolution while providing unique isotopic information.²

Looking toward the future, what technological advancements will most impact space spectroscopy?

In the future, it is expected that low-power, high-energy lasers and next-generation detector technology will become more widely used in space exploration.⁴ The overall goal is to develop detectors that can perform Raman, LIBS, luminescence, and LAMIS experiments simultaneously from a single laser shot.⁴ Additionally, it is also expected that machine learning (ML) will become more important, especially in this new age of artificial intelligence (AI).⁴ Ultimately, in the end, space exploration advancing is going to require an interdisciplinary approach, where physics, engineering, and AI contribute to maximize the amount of quality information scientists get from these missions.⁴

References

1. Williams, K.; Wetzel, W. The Role of LIBS in ChemCam and SuperCam: An Interview with Kelsey Williams, Part III. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/the-role-of-libs-in-chemcam-and-supercam-an-interview-with-kelsey-williams-part-iii (accessed 2026-03-19).
2. Williams, K.; Wetzel, W. The Potential of Mass Spectrometry in Planetary Exploration: An Interview with Kelsey Williams, Part II. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/the-potential-of-mass-spectrometry-in-planetary-exploration-an-interview-with-kelsey-williams-part-ii (accessed 2026-03-19).
3. Williams, K.; Wetzel, W. The Role of LIBS and Mass Spectrometry in Planetary Exploration: An Interview with Kelsey Williams, Part I. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/the-role-of-libs-and-mass-spectrometry-in-planetary-exploration-an-interview-with-kelsey-williams-part-i (accessed 2026-03-19).
4. Williams, K.; Wetzel, W. The Future of Laser-Based Technologies in Space Exploration: An Interview with Kelsey Williams, Part IV. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/the-future-of-laser-based-technologies-in-space-exploration-an-interview-with-kelsey-williams-part-iv (accessed 2026-03-19).