Early Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Development of the Microfluidic Inorganic Conductivity Detector for Europa and the Solenoid-Based Actuator Assembly for Impact Penetrators

Abstract

This study introduces an innovative in situ lander/impact-penetrator design tailored for Discovery-class missions to Europa, specifically focused on conducting astrobiological analyses. The platform integrates a microfluidic capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detector (C4D), optimized for the detection of low-concentration salts potentially indicative of biological activity. Our microfluidic system allows for automated sample routing and precise conductivity-based detection, making it suitable for the harsh environmental and logistical demands of Europa’s icy surface. This technology provides a robust toolset for exploring extraterrestrial habitability by enabling in situ chemical analyses with minimal operational intervention, paving the way for advanced astrobiological investigations on Europa.

Keywords

• Europa
• instrumentation
• exobiology
• solar system origin
• prebiotic chemistry