Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GCMS)

This instrument is a versatile gas chemical analyzer designed to identify and quantify various atmospheric constituents. It will be equipped with gas samplers that will be filled at high altitude for analysis later in the descent when more time is available. The mass spectrometer will construct a spectrum of the molecular masses of the gas, and a more powerful separation of molecular and isotopic species will be accomplished by the gas chromatograph. During descent, the GCMS will also analyze pyrolysis products (i.e., samples altered by heating) passed to it from the Aerosol Collector Pyrolyser. Finally, the GCMS will measure the composition of Titan's surface in the event of a safe landing. This investigation will be made possible by heating the GCMS inlets just prior to impact in order to vaporize the surface material upon contact.

Prof. Manuel Grande
Last updated: 11 June 2001