Alien Microorganism Sampling on Enceladus

Abstract

Enceladus, a moon of Saturn, is a prime candidate for extraterrestrial life due to its subsurface ocean and organic-rich water plumes, discovered by the Cassini mission. Exploring this potential involves significant challenges due to the harsh and dynamic environment of Enceladus. The moon’s cryogenic temperatures, tectonic activity and uncertain surface textures necessitate robust and reliable means of surface sample acquisition. This thesis introduces an ice sampling system designed for future lander missions to this moon, integrating digital holographic microscopy, microfluidics, and boundary layer pumping to meet these challenges.
The proposed system is controlled by a single rotary actuator, minimizing mechanical complexity and enhancing reliability for deep space operations. It samples, liquefies, and prepares ice for microscopic examination to detect potential microorganisms. The sample is acquired via a conical boundary layer pump and delivered into a microfluidic disk for analysis. The integrated system operates as a single static unit with closed-loop control, enabling precise management of fluid dynamics, and thereby the sample.
The integrated digital holographic microscope provides non-invasive, three-dimensional imaging capa- bilities without mechanical focusing, making it suitable for the extreme conditions on Enceladus. The proof-of-concept prototype demonstrates the system’s feasibility and effectiveness through experimental validation of all subsystems. Additionally, open-source software was developed for processing hologram images, including particle counting and blob analysis.
Future work will focus on adapting this technology for broader terrestrial scientific applications and achiev- ing the necessary technology readiness level for space missions. The system’s robust architecture pro- vides a versatile platform that facilitates the integration of not only microscopy but also a diverse array of other life detection instruments. Consequently, this sampling apparatus represents a viable and innovative solution for the detection of life on Enceladus and other icy worlds.