In this paper we review our current state of knowledge regarding the identity of organic and related compounds in the interstellar medium (ISM). The remote detection and identification of organics is ideally suited to the technique of infrared spectroscopy since such data can be obtained telescopically and this spectral range encompasses the fundamental vibrational modes of common molecular bonds. Despite recent advances in our knowledge of the organic component of the ISM, we are still far from understanding the distribution, abundance and evolutionary inter- relationship of these materials within our galaxy and the universe as a whole. Many of these issues can be addressed by the acquisition of new infrared spectra. We briefly describe a potential new Explorer-class space mission capable of obtaining such data, the AstroBiology Explorer (ABE) which consists of a space observatory capable of obtaining spectra in the 2.5-16.0 micrometers range at a spectral resolution of (Delta) $lamda/(lambda) equals 2000-3000. ABE would be capable of addressing outstanding problems in Astrochemistry and Astrophysics that are particularly relevant to Astrobiology and addressable via astronomical observation. ABE would have approximately one year lifetime during which it would obtain a coordinated set of infrared spectroscopic observations of large numbers of galaxies, stars, planetary nebulae, interstellar clouds, young star planetary systems and objects within our own Solar System.

Identifying Organic Molecules in Space - The AstroBiology Explorer (ABE) MIDEX Mission Concept

The Astrobiology Space Infrared Explorer (ASPIRE) is a Probe-class mission concept developed as part of NASA's Astrophysics Strategic Mission Concept studies. 1 2 ASPIRE uses infrared spectroscopy to explore the identity, abundance, and distribution of molecules, particularly those of astrobiological importance throughout the Universe. ASPIRE's observational program is focused on investigating the evolution of ices and organics in all phases of the lifecycle of carbon in the universe, from stellar birth through stellar death while also addressing the role of silicates and gas-phase materials in interstellar organic chemistry. ASPIRE achieves these goals using a Spitzer-derived, cryogenically-cooled, 1-m-class telescope in an Earth drift-away heliocentric orbit, armed with a suite of infrared spectrometers operating in the 2.5–36 micron wavelength region supported by a Kepler-based spacecraft bus. This paper summarizes the results of the ASPIRE Origins Probe Mission Concept Study while focusing on its high heritage mission implementation.

/pdf/an-implementation-concept-for-the-aspire-mission-4ufkmyo7fp.pdf

An implementation concept for the ASPIRE mission

The Astrobiology Explorer (ABE) is a MIDEX mission concept under study at NASA's Ames Research Center in collaboration with Ball Aerospace & Technologies, Corp. ABE will conduct IR spectroscopic observations to address important problems in astrobiology, astrochemistry, and astrophysics. The core observational program would make fundamental scientific progress in understanding the distribution, identity, and evolution of ices and organic matter in dense molecular clouds, young forming stellar systems, stellar outflows, the general diffuse ISM, HII regions, Solar System bodies, and external galaxies. The ABE instrument concept includes a 0.6 m aperture Cassegrain telescope and two moderate resolution (R = 2000-3000) spectrographs covering the 2.5-16 micron spectral region. Large format (1024x 1024 pixel or larger) IR detector arrays and bandpass filters will allow each spectrograph to cover an entire octave of spectral range or more per exposure without any moving parts. The telescope will be cooled below 50K by a cryogenic dewar shielded by a sunshade. The detectors will be cooled to approximately 8K. The optimum orbital configuration for achieving the scientific objectives of the ABE mission is a low background, 1 AU Earth driftaway orbit requiring a Delta II launch vehicle. This configuration provides a low thermal background and allows adequate communications bandwidth and good access to the entire sky over the approximate 1-2 year mission lifetime.

AstroBiology Explorer (ABE) MIDEX mission concept

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AstroBiology Explorer (ABE) MIDEX mission concept