Simulating OH/H2O formation by solar wind at the lunar surface

We simulate the OH/H₂O production from the action of keV protons on the lunar regolith using a vacuum chamber and a mass analyzer to examine the molecular products released from olivine and SiO₂ powders during their irradiation by deuterium ions. The measured mass spectra, showing the OD/D₂O signature, confirm the possibility of OH/H₂O formation on the lunar surface by solar-wind hydrogen.     

Determination of the surface-averaged composition of the regolith of phobos by measurements of the secondary ion flux during the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phobos-Grunt</Emphasis> mission in the MANAGA-F experiment

The onboard time-of-flight mass reflectron MANAGA-F is described which is aimed at measuring the elemental and isotopic composition of the secondary ion fluxes generated under the influence of solar wind. It is shown that by using this apparatus, the composition of the surface regolith layer averaged over a considerable area can be determined while approaching Phobos. After the landing of the spacecraft on the surface of Phobos, the measurements will be aimed at examining the local characteristics of the regolith and a new mechanism for water synthesis in the process of ion collisions. The apparatus allows for the mass of the secondary molecular ions to be detected and determined, including organic ones which arise during the bombardment of the regolith by ions of different origins. The main scientific problems to be solved using the given apparatus are considered in the paper. The working principle of the apparatus together with its analytical and technical characteristics and design particularities are presented. Information concerning the range of its applications for solving a number of challenging tasks of contemporary science is given. The MANAGA-F apparatus is shown to be the first realization of an original new-generation onboard device that has been invented, developed, and produced at the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SRI RAS).