L3VIN: Lunar-Laser-Lab for Volatiles INvestigation. A CLPS-compatible Instrument for In-situ Resource Exploration

L3VIN is a compact laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument that mounts 2.5D spectral mapping and imaging optical assemblies into a compact, plug-and-play package that can be integrated into virtually any small rover or lander to add key new analytical capabilities not available today in planetary sciences: ultra-fast geochemical with no moving parts. L3VIN uses active laser beam steering technology developed by our team under several NASA SBIR awards [1-2]. As an autonomous, broad utility system with autofocusing and mapping capabilities, L3VIN stands to improve upon spaceflight LIBS systems, enabling high-precision mapping of lunar volatiles and other resources using absolutely no moving parts L3VIN does not require rotating a mast to raster a region of interest. This concept is revolutionary in that it enables real-time standoff micro-scale survey at micron to cm scales at < 2m distance from the lunar regolith using active laser beam steering technology built in into the instrument. Mounted on a small rover, our innovative LIBS-based architecture will return 20 x 20 cm maps of volatile (and other ISRU-relevant materials) at 1 m distance with < 1mm/pixel resolution in less than 1 h with detection limits 1 wt%. Combined with a mineralogical instrument such as MIR3000, a near-infrared reflectance instrument (see accompanying abstract in this session), L3VIN would enable geochemical and mineralogical information to be obtained from the same spot on the lunar regolith. For example, MIR3000 detection of H2O/OH species can be validated by LIBS detection of H and O emission lines. More broadly, mineralogical information obtained by MIR3000 cam be complemented by chemical information derived from L3VIN. Thus, a compact payload (< 6 kg) combining both instruments can provide unambiguous, ground-truthed characterization and distribution of lunar materials (hydrated/hydrous compounds, minerals, metals, volatiles) in locations of high interest in the south polar region and the Gruithuisen Domes (see accompanying abstract in this session). [1] https://sbir.nasa.gov/SBIR/abstracts/19/sbir/phase2/SBIR-19-2-S1.07-2925.html [2] https://sbir.nasa.gov/SBIR/abstracts/19/sbir/phase2/SBIR-19-2-S1.11-2711.html