Miniature mass spectrometer - new idea of our scientists

Scientists from the Faculty of Electronics, Photonics and Microsystems of the Wrocław University of Science and Technology have obtained funding from the European Space Agency (ESA) for a project aimed at developing a miniature mass spectrometer.

They defeated European competition by offering an original solution to a scientific and technical problem.

The mass spectrometer will be a miniature analytical instrument in line with the strategy of ESA and NASA in the field of miniaturization of measuring equipment and planning of small space missions. The mass spectrometer will be manufactured using MEMS techniques with the supporting role of precise 3D printing. It will be small (<1 dm3), light (<500 g) and energy efficient (<10 W). Its operational parameters will be comparable to classic (large) analytical instruments and will enable the analysis of the gas atmosphere of planets, asteroids, moons or the environment of spacecraft.

Wrocław University of Science and Technology is the leader of this project. Partner (subcontractor) - Creotech Instruments S.A. company will support the project for the development of the instrument's electronics, software and environmental tests.

Total project value: EUR 450,000