UK leadership in extraterrestrial sample return

The aim of this project is to help build critical mass and leadership for the UK in the analysis of samples that are soon to be returned from asteroids, the Moon and Mars. These samples will be highly scientifically important because they will have the potential to deliver a step change in our ability to answer questions including those within STFC science challenge B: 'How do stars and planetary systems develop and how do they support the existence of life?'.

The principal objective of our project is to undertake a proof of concept study to test the ability of the emerging technique of atom probe tomography to provide unique insights into the composition and structure of planetary materials. Atom probe tomography can potentially transform our ability to obtain science from tiny amounts of returned samples because it is uniquely capable of identifying atoms and locating them in three-dimensions in a sub-micrometre size particle. Damage to the original sample is minimal, which is exceptionally important given that very little material will be available for researchers to study. In our pump priming work we will analyse samples of carbonaceous chondrite meteorites, which are good analogues for the asteroids Bennu and Ryugu, samples of which will soon to be returned to Earth by NASA and the Japanese space agency. The outcomes of this work will include new capability for the measurement of chemistry, isotopic ratios and nanostructure in complex asteroidal materials. These results will underpin network building activities with researchers in the UK and internationally, thus helping to build critical mass and momentum behind leadership of the UK during this very exciting period of planetary exploration.

The project will have potential impacts on a variety of sectors. Our atom probe tomography development work could be utilised by mining companies to help visualise the distribution of precious metals (e.g., gold) and strategically important elements within their host minerals. Our capability enhancing work on organic matter in carbonaceous chondrites has potential impacts for the biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors, and our development of APT to analyse hydrogen and halogens may provide new insights into engineering problems such as hydrogen embrittlement of steel and the performance of semiconductor devices. These potential impacts can start to be realised via networking and dissemination at conferences, and through publications. Project partners Oxford Instruments and CAMECA are closely involved in the project, and opportunities for impact and follow-on innovation activities will be explored with both partners.