This document describes a project called ir Spectroscopy of Organics in Space (iSOS) that aims to develop a small, portable infrared spectrometer for use on cubesats and in space. The spectrometer would reconfigure a commercially available instrument that has been tested for ruggedness. The goals are to investigate the spectrometer for space applications, modify it for a cubesat mission to study organics in space, and qualify it for use there. This would provide a new tool for identifying molecules and materials during space exploration.

1. ir Spectroscopy of Organics in Space (iSOS)
POC: Andrew Mattioda, andrew.mattioda@nasa.gov, 650-604-1075
Infrared Spectroscopy Background
• Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy is a research workhorse, used to identify,
characterize and monitor materials.
• IR spectroscopy is used in the field by
• Law enforcement for the identification of narcotics
• Military for identification of explosives & other hazards
• Environmental scientists for the identification of hazardous chemicals
• Scientists for the characterization & monitoring of molecules
• Industry for quality control
• At present, a small, portable, space qualified FTIR to monitor the
chemical environment does not exist for use on cube sats, the ISS,
manned space flight or robotic missions.

2. ir Spectroscopy of Organics in Space (iSOS)
POC: Andrew Mattioda, andrew.mattioda@nasa.gov, 650-604-1075
Solution to the IR Spectroscopy in Space problem
• In the past, IR spectrometers were large, bulky lab based
instruments.
• Recently industry developed a small, portable IR spectrometer for
use in extreme environments, in the field.
• This IR spectrometer has been independently tested for MIL-STD-
810F and IP67 certifications, ensuring its ruggedness for shock,
vibration and operation in extreme temperatures.
• iSOS will take this COTS spectrometer and configure it for space
and cube sat. research.

3. ir Spectroscopy of Organics in Space (iSOS)
Point of Contact: Andrew Mattioda, andrew.mattioda@nasa.gov, 650-604-1075
Description/Goals/Objectives/Issues/TRL Concept Image/Customers/Team
Concept Description: Infrared (IR)spectroscopy is the Concept Image:
workhorse tool used to identify, characterize, quantify and
monitor materials. Although it is routinely used in hazardous
waste sites, quality control, research, law enforcement, etc., an
IR spectrometer does not exist for space exploration. There is a
COTS spectrometer (GSA approved) which can be utilized for
small sats, robotic and manned space missions.
Goals & Objectives: Investigate the COTS IR spectrometer for
space applications, modify it for a cube sat mission investigating
organics in space and space qualify the spectrometer.
Customers: NASA SMD, ESMD, SOMD & Industry for
Issues: remote control of the instrument, sampling configure
adjustment, resolution improvement (if possible). research, safety and quality control
TRL: 6 to 7 Team: Andrew Mattioda, Emmett Quigley
Technical Milestones/Products/Resources
Approach/Significance/Application Milestones: Date
COTS cube sat sized spectrometer MIL-STD
Technical Approach: Reconfigure a COTS IR 810G certified for operation in extreme Completed
spectrometer to function inside a cube sat . temperatures, temperature and functional shock,
Significance/Application: A cube sat. sized IR humidity, sand and dust, immersion and vibration.
spectrometer would significantly enhance cube sat. Determine best sampling configuration April 2013
research opportunities, enable hazards detection in Install spectrometer in cube sat framework June 2013
space environments and allow the in-situ Products: Date
identification of molecules, minerals, etc. in Thermo Scientific TruDefender FTI S1 (GSA) January 2013
extraterrestrial environments Resources:
Benefit/Outcome: Development of a miniture IR FTE: 0.1
spectrometer for research and environmental hazard Procurement: $ 45.5K, mostly for purchase of GSA
identification in space, adding a workhorse tool to potential COTS spectrometer
cube sat. research opportunities. Travel: $0