Organic analysis for the Tanpopo mission

Abstract

Two organic analysis, which are organic compounds analysis in the captured micrometeorides and stability experiment under cosmic environments, were proposed in the "Tanpopo" mission. Now, we have performed the simulation experiments for the mission in order to confirm the feasibility and obtaine some comparison data. Firstly, alteration of organic compounds at the capturing was examined by using the two-stage light gas gun at ISAS/JAXA. Insoluble organic matter were able to be collected, without hardly alteration using the ultra low density silica aerogel. Secondly, stability of organic compounds under the high-atomic oxygen environment was examined, since atomic oxygen is abundant at ISS altitude. Weight loss of standard capton film and changing color of PAH were observed.