Application of ATR spectroscopy for astrobiological investigations aboard planetary landers

Abstract

We propose the use of infrared attenuated total reflectance (ATR) spectroscopy aboard landers for contact astrobiological soil research on terrestrial planets. The method is based on the absorption bands inherent to biological macromolecules (proteins, DNA/RNA, and carbohydrates). It is also applicable to mineralogical studies of soil, dust, and atmospheric precipitation; the use of balloons (e.g., on Venus) adds aerosols to this list. The optimal spectral range seems to be 2.5–25 μm; the optimal spectral resolution, about 10 cm^–1.