#5/10 In brief: LIST RA17 – All eyes on space

Mass spectrometry, a physics analysis technique for detecting and identifying molecules, is a real asset in the resolution, anticipation and analysis of our environment. Thanks to this incredible tool, it is possible to carry out numerous analyses on a very small scale. With it, we are capable of turning our attention to cells with a mass of one nanogram, that is, cells whose mass is 1 billion times lighter than a 1-gram object. This means that mass spectrometry enables us to see and analyse not only what is invisible to the naked eye, but also that which is sometimes even beyond our understanding. 

At LIST, we have developed a portable mass spectrometer. We first designed the tool to answer questions inherent to hydrology, and then adapted it depending on needs and partnerships. Its compact size and high mass resolution make this technology a real asset. In the MS-SPACE project, we are working together with NASA to adapt it to spatial applications. Our ambition is that in the near future, our technology can be part of the next spatial missions and bring concrete responses to the still numerous mysteries of planetary exploration. Our innovation goes even further than our initial hopes: our innovative mass spectrometer was chosen by the Japanese lunar exploration company ispace to be taken to the surface of the moon. Up there, thousands of kilometres away from Earth, our technology will be used to exploit the elemental compositions of lunar ice and regolith, a fine dust covering the ground of the moon. Beyond this real recognition of our expertise, we are incredibly proud to be part of such a revolution.

> This article originally featured in the “Create an economic impact with new technologies” section of the report.

> The Institute invites you to read the report in full online. The next article to be published on list.lu will be “View from above”.