Development Process
Breadboard Phase
In the breadboard phase, stand-alone instruments were developed to demonstrate proof of concept and performance. Functional requirements come from our science traceability matrix, which is consistent with the community consensus goals laid out in the Europa Lander Science Definition Team report and other sources, including the ongoing Life Detection Forum of the Network for Life Detection.
Brassboard Phase
Currently, OWLS is in the brassboard phase of the project’s development. This involves building an integrated instrument suite where the various modules work together to analyze samples from the environment. The brassboard instrument suite will conduct a field test at Mono Lake, CA.
OCEANS will integrate the CE-ESI-MS, CE-LIF, and CE-C4D systems. Sub-critical water extraction breaks cells into constituent organic molecules for analysis. Common fluidic handling distributes samples to the various instruments.
ELVIS is a compact dual-microscope system that combines light field fluorescence and DHM microscopes. These, along with the HRFI identify the smallest non-motile cells, all fed by a common fluidic sample handling system. Machine-learning algorithms identify lifelike movement of single-cell organisms and fine-scale cell structure.
Deliverables over the 5-year project phase:
A field prototype instrument suite that meets our instrument performance requirements, with components matured to TRL 5.
Path-to-flight documentation to reach TRL 6 for different targets, including Europa, Enceladus, Ceres, and Mars.
Development of methodologies, algorithms, and techniques to optimize performance and refine the instrument performance models.
High-impact field demonstrations of OWLS at ocean worlds analog sites.