Development of a gas chromatography compatible Sample Processing System (SPS) for the in-situ analysis of refractory organic matter in martian soil: preliminary results

In the frame of the 2009 Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission a new sample preparation system (SPS) compatible with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) has been developed for the in situ analysis of complex organic molecules in the Martian soil. The goal is to detect, if they exist, some of the key compounds that play an important role in life on Earth including carboxylic acids, amino acids and nucleobases.     

Exospheres and Energetic Neutral Atoms of Mars, Venus and Titan

Our understanding of the upper atmosphere of unmagnetized bodies such as Mars, Venus and Titan has improved significantly in this decade. Recent observations by in situ and remote sensing instruments on board Mars Express, Venus Express and Cassini have revealed characteristics of the neutral upper atmospheres (exospheres) and of energetic neutral atoms (ENAs). The ENA environment in the vicinity of the bodies is by itself a significant study field, but ENAs are also used as a diagnostic tool for the exosphere and the interaction with the upstream plasmas. Synergy between theoretical and modeling work has also improved considerably. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of our understanding of the neutral environment in the vicinity of unmagnetized planets.     

Upstream of Saturn and Titan

The formation of Titan??s induced magnetosphere is a unique and important example in the solar system of a plasma-moon interaction where the moon has a substantial atmosphere. The field and particle conditions upstream of Titan are important in controlling the interaction and also play a strong role in modulating the chemistry of the ionosphere. In this paper we review Titan??s plasma interaction to identify important upstream parameters and review the physics of Saturn??s magnetosphere near Titan??s orbit to highlight how these upstream parameters may vary. We discuss the conditions upstream of Saturn in the solar wind and the conditions found in Saturn??s magnetosheath. Statistical work on Titan??s upstream magnetospheric fields and particles are discussed. Finally, various classification schemes are presented and combined into a single list of Cassini Titan encounter classes which is also used to highlight differences between these classification schemes.     

G-300, the first French Getaway Special microgravity measurements of fluid thermal conductivity

On Earth thermal conductivity measurements on liquids are difficult to perform because thermal motions due to convection. In microgravity the convection due to buoyancy is evanescent and we expect a strong lowering of Rayleigh and Nusselt numbers. Three low viscosity liquids are selected to carry out the measurements: distilled water (standard) and two silicone oils. We use a modified “hot plate” method with a simplified guard ring, the lowering of convective motions let us to use in the experimental cells larger interplate distances and/or temperature differences than in earth measurements so the accuracy must be improved. Comparisons between Earth and orbit results may help to understand the convection occurrence in our cells. G-300 payload is cantilevered from the experiment mounting plate (EMP) and it includes: four struts, an intermediate plate, a bottom plate with four bumpers, a battery box, an electronic rack and six experimental cells assembled in twin-packs thermally coupled with the EMP. Thermal, vibration and EMI tests have proved that the design satisfies the Nasa requirements and acceptance is in progress.     

VLF transmissions from Kajford (Norway) to Scatha

The University of Paris and The Aerospace Corporation performed the injection of VLF waves into the magnetosphere from Norway to Scatha. The first transmissions took place in May, 1979. The transmitted signal was either a 1280 Hz keyed-fixed frequency or a continuous wave, sweeping linearly from 1350 Hz to 2550 Hz. Signals correlated with the transmissions were recorded on May 26 and May 27.