[B-CG08] [EE] 深宇宙と深海から挑む生命探査科学

[BCG08-P03] Analytical Assessment of Intact Capture Capability for Possible Biological Sigantures within Icy Plume Particles by Using Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Aerogels

*沼保 壮太^1,2,3、高野 淑識²、高萩 航^2,3,4、藤島 皓介^6,3、冨田 勝³、高井 研^2,6、矢野 創^2,5 (1.慶應義塾大学環境情報学部、2.国立研究開発法人海洋研究開発機構、3.慶應義塾大学先端生命科学研究所、4.慶應義塾大学大学院政策メディア研究科、5.宇宙航空研究開発機構宇宙科学研究所、6.東京工業大学地球生命研究所)

キーワード：Icy moon, Aerogel, Sample return mission, Astrobiology

Cassini Spacecraft’s Ion Neutral Mass Spectrometry (INMS) and Cosmic Dust Analyzer (CDA) have provided significant scientific data regarding Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus and its ongoing plume activity. Scientific evidences have put constraints on environmental parameters for the subsurface ocean. However regarding life detection, current on-board space mission instruments rely solely on destructive analytical techniques. By targeting the Enceladus plume, we propose a new astrobiology oriented life detection mission concept using silica aerogel for development of sample capture, in situ analysis and sample return technologies. Silica aerogel is a super low density amorphous SiO₂ (density range between 0.01 g/cm₃ and 0.03 g/cm₃) and has optical transparency and low thermal conductivity (0.017 W/mK). These features of silica aerogel are expected to be suitable for non-destructive and non-invasive capture of samples. In this research, we compare the ability of organic sample capture in two different types (hydrophilic and hydrophobic) of aerogel. Currently new aerogel capture system is under development and thus we will discuss advantages and current problems of this system including the application for future space missions related to biosignature detection from the icy moons.