A low-orbit experiment on modeling superhigh-velocity impact of a meteorite reproducing abiogenic synthesis of complex organic compounds in torch plasma

We present the results of model experiments confirming that in torch plasma, arising under the superhigh-velocity impact action of a meteorite, synthesis of complex polymer molecules takes place, if this plasma contains elements forming organic compounds. Based on these results we suggest a new concept of the prebiotic stage of evolution, according to which the processes in plasma torches of meteorite impacts could facilitate origination of primordial forms of living matter. In order to investigate the processes of plasma synthesis one needs to carry out direct impact experiments with impactors whose dimensions would range from 1 to 20 cm. Ground-based accelerators of dust particles allow one to reach the necessary impact velocity only for particles with dimensions below 10–3 cm in diameter. In order to overcome this difficulty, we suggest a low-orbit experiment with original technique, in which impact of a impactor into a target with a diameter of up to 300 cm proceeds on oppositely directed orbits, the products of synthesis being detected with the use of remote mass-spectrometric measurements.