The mass spectrometer ORIGIN (Image: University of Bern, Andreas Riedo)
The mass spectrometer ORIGIN (Image: University of Bern, Andreas Riedo) - Researchers at the University of Bern have developed the highly sensitive instrument ORIGIN for future space missions, which can detect minute traces of life. Space agencies such as NASA have already expressed interest in testing ORIGIN for future missions. For example, the instrument could be used for missions to the icy moons Europa (Jupiter) and Enceladus (Saturn). The question of whether life exists outside the Earth is one of the most fundamental questions of mankind. Future NASA missions aim, for example, to study the prominent icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn in situ, which may harbour life in the liquid oceans beneath a thick layer of ice. However, detecting traces of life outside the Earth is extremely challenging. Highly sensitive instruments are required to take measurements on site with the greatest possible autonomy and precision - millions of kilometres away from Earth, in other words, without the direct support of humans.
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