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Cloud Optimized Data Formats

Cloud computing offers the promise of being able to analyze Big Data earth Observations at scale, by allowing scientists to deploy many nodes at once to analyze the data. However, in order to take full advantage of cloud scalability, it is often necessary to reorganize and reformat the data to enable fine-grained, parallel access to the data in Web Object Storage. NASA recently conducted a study of several formats that are optimized for analysis in the cloud: Parquet, zarr, HDF (Hierarchical Data Format) in the Cloud, and Cloud-Optimized GeoTIFF (Tagged Image File Format). They were compared against non-cloud-optimized formats, netCDF (network Common Data Form) and GeoTIFF, with criteria based both on stewardship and analysis performance.

Christopher Lynnes↗

A Realistic Roadmap to Formation Flying Space Interferometry

The ultimate astronomical observatory would be a formation flying interferometer in space, immune to atmospheric turbulence and absorption, free from atmospheric and telescope thermal emission, and reconfigurable to adjust baselines according to the required angular resolution. Imagine the near/mid-infrared sensitivity of the JWST and the far-IR sensitivity of Herschel but with ALMA-level angular resolution, or imagine having the precision control to null host star light across 250m baselines and to detect molecules from the atmospheres of nearby exo-Earths. With no practical engineering limit to the formation’s size or number of telescopes in the array, formation flying interferometry will revolutionize astronomy and this White Paper makes the case that it is now time to accelerate investments in this technological area. Here we provide a brief overview of the required technologies needed to allow light to be collected and interfered using separate spacecrafts. We emphasize the emerging role of inexpensive smallSat projects and the excitement for the LISA Gravitational Wave Interferometer to push development of the required engineering building-blocks. We urge the Astro2020 Decadal Survey Committee to highlight the need for a small-scale formation flying space interferometer project to demonstrate end-to-end competency with a timeline for first stellar fringes by the end of the decade.

Gioia Rau↗

Imaging the Key Stages of Planet Formation

New images of young stars are revolutionizing our understanding of planet formation. ALMA detects large grains in planet‐forming disks with few AU scale resolution and scattered light imaging with extreme adaptive optics systems reveal small grains suspended on the disks’ flared surfaces. Tantalizing evidence for young exoplanets is emerging from line observations of CO and H‐alpha. In this white paper, we explore how even higher angular resolution can extend our understanding of the key stages of planet formation, to resolve accreting circumplanetary disks themselves, and to watch planets forming in situ for the nearest star‐forming regions. We focus on infrared observations which are sensitive to thermal emission in the terrestrial planet formation zone and allow access to molecular tracers in warm ro‐vibrational states. Successful planet formation theories will not only be able to explain the diverse features seen in disks, but will also be consistent with the rich exoplanet demographics from RV and transit surveys. While we are far from exhausting ground‐based techniques, the ultimate combination of high angular resolution and high infrared sensitivity can only be achieved through mid‐infrared space interferometry.

John Monnier↗

Towards Persistent Space Observations through Autonomous Multi-Agent Formations

Sensing platforms must advance in scale and sophistication in order to support increasingly ambitious missions across Earth and space science; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); and planetary exploration. Distributed, persistent observation platforms have the potential to play a pivotal role in next generation missions through improved area coverage, enhanced situational awareness, and faster identification of trends and changes. The Multi-Agent Clusters for Persistent Observations from Space (MACPOS) project at NASA Langley Research Center is developing key technologies for the autonomous, heterogeneous formations that will comprise such platforms. Research thrusts include dynamic formation negotiation for self-assembling clusters of agents, distributed motion planning, and coordinated trajectory execution. Adaptive leader-follower formation negotiation allows agents to cluster and break off as necessary to adapt to both nominal and new mission objectives. Coordinated motion planning and execution maintain the formation while ensuring safe separation distances among agents and obstacles in the environment. These capabilities align MACPOS with NASA’s initiative for space and surface in-situ assembly through fundamental technology development for autonomous multi-agent systems. This paper presents an overview and early progress for the MACPOS project. We describe the system architecture for both individual agents and the overall fleet. Design considerations are given for the planning, control, and metrology subsystems. Finally, we discuss planned project milestones and the expected course of development.

Matthew P Vaughan↗

Olivine Dissolution and Formation of Secondary phases in Ultramafic Soils

Introduction: Olivine has been proposed as an indicator for the duration of water-rock interaction within Martian rocks and sediments [1-3]. The use of olivine as a mineralogical indicator for past aqueous alteration on Mars requires interpretation of a complex combination of factors including pH, temperature, and composition [5,6]. Here, we examine the persistence of natural olivine within terrestrial ultramafic soils (Fe/Mg-rich, Al-poor) developing under different climatic conditions and the incipient dissolution of emplaced forsterite (Fo) and fayalite (Fa) surfaces to investigate environmental effects on incipient olivine dissolution, olivine persistence in soils, and formation of secondary phases. Methods: Field Sites. We examined olivine weathering and secondary material formation in ultramafic soils at 6 sites in the Klamath Mountains (KM) of northern California with a mean annual temperature of ~12.8℃ and precipitation of ~55.7-95.4 cm/year [7], and soil pH of ~6.5-7.3; 4 sites in the Tablelands (TB) of Newfoundland, Canada with a mean annual temperature of <3.9℃ and precipitation of ~120.0 cm/year [8], and soil pH of ~7.7; and at 3 sites at Pickhandle Gulch (PG), Nevada with a mean annual temperature of ~14.4℃ and precipitation of ~14.1 cm/year [7], and soil pH of ~8.5. Sampling sites span an age range of ~12.1-50+ kya in the Klamath Mountains [9,10] and ~13-30 kya in the Tablelands [11]. Pickhandle Gulch sites are undated. Parent Material and Soil Analyses. Polished thin sections of bulk soil prepared by Wagner Petrographic, Inc were carbon-coated and analyzed on a JEOL 2100 SEM in back-scattered electron mode in the EMIL lab at UNLV and at the 13-ID-E synchrotron beamline at Argonne National Laboratory using µXRF, µXRD, and XAS. Soil and parent material samples were powdered in a Fritsch pulverisette and analyzed by XRD and soil by VNIR. Soil preparation is further described in [12]. Disk Preparation, Burial, and Collection. Fo disks were cut from a column prepared via hot-pressing and Fa disks by sintering synthetic fayalite powder, see [13] for detail. Disks were polished to a 0.25-micron level with diamond grit. Disks were buried in 3 KM soils, 4 TB soils, and 3 PG soils, collected after exactly 365 days, and washed gently with 100% reagent grade ethanol to remove potential adhered soil material. Weathered disks and soil samples were stored in a -20℃ freezer until analysis. Unaltered control disks prepared identically to the buried disks were stored at -20℃ for the duration of the experiment. Disk Analyses. One Fo and Fa disk from each climate zone was analyzed on a variable pressure Zeiss Supra 40VP SEM at Northern Arizona University. A separate Fo and Fa disk from each climate zone was analyzed by XPS using a Physical Electronics VersaProbe II at the Penn State Univ. Materials Characterization Lab after a Na-dodecyl sulfate wash and ozonation to remove carbon contamination as in [14]. VNIR measurements were conducted at Johnson Space Center using an ASD FieldSpec3 under ambient lab conditions on a separate Fo and Fa disk from each climate zone. One separate Fo and Fa control sample was analyzed for each technique for comparison with weathered samples. XPS uncertainty was determined from 5 repeat measurements on controls. Results: Bedrock and Soil Results Olivine is present in the parent material in the KM and TB. Olivine is found in ~12.1 ka KM soils but is absent from all older soils, while persisting into the oldest (>20 ka) TB soil (Figure 1). In both locations, olivine is found as cores surrounded by a serpentine rind (Figure 2). VNIR spectra from the analyzed soils possess strong OH-associated spectral features at ~2.33 µm indicating the presence of Mg-rich phyllosilicates as well as ferric-oxide features at ~0.92 µm in the KM (Figure 3). Primary crystalline silicate grains mostly incorporate Fe2+, while poorly crystalline weathering rinds are best fit by ferric oxide XAS standards (Figure 4). µXRF also shows that Fe and Ni concentrate in weathering rinds and Cr remains within interior silicate grains (Figure 4). Buried Sample Results All Fo surfaces exhibited formation of dissolution features including shallow pitting not observed on controls. Dissolution features were most visually widespread on the KM disk (Figure 5). Leaching of Mg from KM and TB Fo disks was evident from <1.6 Mg/Si ratios measured by XPS (Figure 6). Fe-rich precipitates in SEM (Figure 5) and Fe presence in XPS scans (Figure 6) indicate Fe deposition onto KM and TB Fo disk surfaces. The appearance of a spectral feature at 0.55 µm in the VNIR spectra from the TB Fo suggests this Fe is ferric (Figure 7). The PG Fo appears least altered, with minimal formation of dissolution features in SEM (Figure 5), a Mg/Si ratio inconsistent with leaching (~2) (Figure 6), and VNIR spectra almost identical to the control sample. Analysis of Fa surfaces is ongoing. The higher temperatures and more acidic pH in the KM soils likely drive the faster dissolution of the Fo disks described above. While the TB soils experience greater precipitation than in the KM, the cooler temperatures and more basic soil pH facilitate observable but more limited alteration. The dry climate and basic soil pH at PG lead to minimal dissolution of the PG disk surfaces.

A D Feldman↗

SHERLOC Investigations at the Máaz and Séítah formations within Jezero crater

Introduction: The Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals (SHERLOC) instrument combines microscopic imaging, native fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy to better understand the mineral and chemical makeup of rocks on the martian surface. Native fluorescence emissions from aromatic organic species allow for detection and classification of aromatic organic molecules, whereas Raman scattered photons from molecules allow identification of functional groups of organics, chemicals, and minerals. These signatures are obtained on a 100 micron spatial scale and collocated to images so textures, minerals and chemicals can all be compared [1]. Results: SHERLOC has been operating on Mars since February 18, 2021. As of this writing, we have analyzed 3 natural surfaces, and 5 abraded rock patches created during the Crater Floor Campaign within Jezero crater [2]. The Guillaumes target (from the Roubion outcrop, Roubion member of the Máaz Formation) is dominated by Ca-sulfate with patches of perchlorate. The Bellegarde target (from the Rochette outcrop, Rochette member of the Máaz Formation) exhibits Raman peaks that match hydrated Ca-sulfate, amorphous/microcrystalline silicate (AMS), carbonate, and phosphate phases. A fluorescence doublet at ~305 and ~325 nm was detected and is most likely due to indigenous organic material in the sample. The Garde target (from the Bastide outcrop, Bastide member of the Séítah Formation) is dominated by olivine and carbonate with AMS occurring across the material. The Dourbes target (from the Brac outcrop, Bastide member of the Séítah Formation) is dominated by olivine and shows minor amounts of carbonate, hydrated Ca-sulfate, and AMS. The Quartier target exhibits a large sulfate feature, as well as carbonate, perchlorate, olivine and a fluorescence doublet at 305 and 325 nm and is very similar to that observed at Bellegarde. In each of these samples we have identified fluorescence features that are likely aromatic organics native to the rock interiors. Acknowledgments: This work was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, The California Institute of Technology under a contract from NASA.

L W Beegle↗

Dynamic Stability And Adaptive Control of Networked Evolving Formations with Weak Nonlinearities

The dynamic stability of formation geometry is vital to the design of large scale multiagent systems. In this paper, we probe into the structure of the formation system matrix using the Laplacian of a digraph to develop several fundamental theoretical results on the stability of formation geometry. Our key-results include the integration of the graph Laplacian into linear and weak-nonlinear relative dynamics, the development of several new coordinate transformations that expose the influence of the graph Laplacian matrix on the control laws of the agents, and the use of direct adaptive control as stability restoring devices. We also develop two fundamental results that provide upper bounds for stable formation evolution under nonlinear perturbations of agent dynamics. Finally, we use an illustrative example to demonstrate our theoretical findings.

Gehlot, Vinod P.↗

Collision Free Dynamic Stability of Formations Using Projection Based Estimators

Transient instability is a phenomenon where inter- agent collisions can occur in dynamically stable formations of autonomous agents. Therefore, the necessity to manage and mitigate transient instabilities is essential for successfully deploying formation structures. This paper develops a novel control architecture that augments the baseline formation maintenance controller to mitigate transient instabilities. At its heart, the proposed architecture consists of a projection operator based estimator disguised as a reference model that generates collision-free trajectories for the agents to follow. This paper’s main theoretical result shows that the proposed control architecture can simultaneously mitigate transient instabilities and guarantee asymptotic convergence of the formation dynamics. Also, an illustrative example demonstrates the theoretical developments presented in this paper.

Bayard, David S.↗

The Hyper-inflation Stage in the Coronal Mass Ejection Formation: A Missing Link That Connects Flares, Coronal Mass Ejections, and Shocks in the Low Corona

We analyze the formation and three-dimensional (3D) evolution of two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and their associated waves in the low corona via a detailed multi-viewpoint analysis of extreme-ultraviolet observations. We analyze the kinematics in the radial and lateral directions and identify three stages in the early evolution of the CME: (1) a hyper-inflation stage, when the CME laterally expands at speeds of ∼1000 km/s, followed by (2) a shorter and slower expansion stage of a few minutes and ending with (3) a self-similar phase that carries the CME into the middle corona. The first two stages coincide with the impulsive phase of the accompanying flare, the formation and separation of an EUV wave from the CME, and the start of the metric type II radio burst. Our 3D analysis suggests that the hyper-inflation phase may be a crucial stage in the CME formation with wide-ranging implications for solar eruption research. It likely represents the formation stage of the magnetic structure that is eventually ejected into the corona, as the white-light CME. It appears to be driven by the injection of poloidal flux into the ejecting magnetic structure, which leads to the lateral (primarily) growth of the magnetic flux rope. The rapid growth results in the creation of EUV waves and eventually shocks at the CME flanks that are detected as metric type II radio bursts. In other words, the hyper-inflation stage in the early CME evolution may be the "missing" link between CMEs, flares, and coronal shocks.

Solar coronal waves↗

Nutrient Limitation Predisposes A Cultivate of Burkholderia Contaminans From the ISS Water Processor Assembly to Biofilm Formation Under Simulated Microgravity.

The International Space Station (ISS) Water Processor Assembly (WPA) experiences intermittent dormancy between water recycling events thus promoting biofilm formation within the system. In this work we aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of nutrient limitation on bacterial growth and biofilm formation under microgravity in support of biofilm mitigation efforts in exploration water recovery systems. A representative species of bacteria that is commonly cultured from the ISS WPA was cultured in an WPA influent water ersatz formulation tailored for microbiology studies. Burkholderia contaminans was cultured under a simulated microgravity (SµG) treatment in a vertically rotating high-aspect rotating vessel (HARV), with a rotating control (R) in the horizontal plane at the determined optimal rpm of 15 along with a stationary (S) control. At different time points, the bacterial culture and ersatz were harvested for bacterial counts, transcriptomic and nutrient content analyses. Under the test conditions, the culture under SµG treatment consumed the essential nutrients faster than the R and S control cultures in the early stage of growth, thus approaching a nutrient limited growth condition earlier than the controls. The rapid uptake and subsequent depletion of essential nutrients was further illustrated in the transcriptomic response of the SµG culture when compared to the transcriptomic response of the R and S control conditions. The observed starvation response may serve as one element to explain a moderate enhancement of biofilm formation in the SµG treatment. One implication of this investigation is that biofilm mitigation in the ISS environment could be supported by ensuring a steady flow of water as a vehicle for essential nutrients within the WPA to avoid complete consumption which occurs in times of no flow lending to undesired biofilm formation.

Angie Diaz↗

Sequential Star Formation in the Young SMC Region NGC 602: Insights from ALMA

NGC 602 is a young, low-metallicity star cluster in the "Wing" of the Small Magellanic Cloud. We reveal the recent evolutionary past of the cluster through analysis of high-resolution (∼0.4 pc) Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array observations of molecular gas in the associated H ii region N90. We identify 110 molecular clumps (R < 0.8 pc) traced by CO emission, and study the relationship between the clumps and associated young stellar objects (YSOs) and pre-main-sequence (PMS) stars. The clumps have high virial parameters (typical αvir = 4–11) and may retain signatures of a collision in the last ≲8 Myr between H i components of the adjacent supergiant shell SMC-SGS 1. We obtain a CO-bright-to-H2 gas conversion factor of XCO,B = (3.4 ± 0.2) × 10 20 cm−2 (K km s −1 ) −1 , and correct observed clump properties for CO-dark H 2 gas to derive a total molecular gas mass in N90 of 16,600 ± 2400 M ⊙ . We derive a recent (≲1 Myr) star formation rate of 130 ± 30 M ⊙ Myr −1 with an efficiency of 8% ± 3% assessed through comparing total YSO mass to total molecular gas mass. Very few significant radial trends exist between clump properties or PMS star ages and distance from NGC 602. We do not find evidence for a triggered star formation scenario among the youngest (≲2 Myr) stellar generations, and instead conclude that a sequential star formation process in which NGC 602 did not directly cause recent star formation in the region is likely.

Theo J O’Neill↗

Formation of Amino Acids and Carboxylic Acids in Weakly Reducing Planetary Atmospheres by Solar Energetic Particles from the Young Sun

Life most likely started during the Hadean Eon; however, the environmental conditions which contributed to the complexity of its chemistry are poorly known. A better understanding of various environmental conditions, including global (heliospheric) and local (atmospheric, surface, and oceanic), along with the internal dynamic conditions of the early Earth, are required to understand the onset of abiogenesis. Herein, we examine the contributions of galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) and solar energetic particles (SEPs) associated with superflares from the young Sun to the formation of amino acids and carboxylic acids in weakly reduced gas mixtures representing the early Earth’s atmosphere. We also compare the products with those introduced by lightning events and solar ultraviolet light (UV). In a series of laboratory experiments, we detected and characterized the formation of amino acids and carboxylic acids via proton irradiation of a mixture of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen, and water in various mixing ratios. These experiments show the detection of amino acids after acid hydrolysis when 0.5% (v/v) of initial methane was introduced to the gas mixture. In the set of experiments with spark discharges (simulation of lightning flashes) performed for the same gas mixture, we found that at least 15% methane was required to detect the formation of amino acids, and no amino acids were detected in experiments via UV irradiation, even when 50% methane was used. Carboxylic acids were formed in non-reducing gas mixtures (0% methane) by proton irradiation and spark discharges. Hence, we suggest that GCRs and SEP events from the young Sun represent the most effective energy sources for the prebiotic formation of biologically important organic compounds from weakly reducing atmospheres. Since the energy flux of space weather, which generated frequent SEPs from the young Sun in the first 600 million years after the birth of the solar system, was expected to be much greater than that of GCRs, we conclude that SEP-driven energetic protons are the most promising energy sources for the prebiotic production of bioorganic compounds in the atmosphere of the Hadean Earth.

Kensei Kobayashi↗

Foreshock Ion Motion Across Discontinuities: Formation of Foreshock Transients

In the ion foreshock, hot flow anomalies (HFAs) and foreshock bubbles (FBs) are two types of foreshock transients that have the strongest fluctuations, which can disturb the magnetosphere-ionosphere system and increase shock acceleration efficiency. They form due to interaction between the foreshock ions and solar wind discontinuities: the direction of the foreshock ion-driven current and whether it decreases or increases the magnetic field strength behind the discontinuity determine whether the transient's formation can be promoted or suppressed. Thus, to predict the HFA and FB formation and forecast their space weather effects, it is necessary to predict the foreshock ion-driven current direction. In this study, we derive analytical equations of foreshock ion velocities within discontinuities to estimate foreshock ion-driven current direction, which provides a quantitative criterion of HFA and FB formation. To validate the criterion, we use Acceleration Reconnection Turbulence & Electrodynamics of Moon's Interaction with the Sun to observe pristine solar wind discontinuities and calculate discontinuity parameters. We use Magnetospheric Multiscale to observe the foreshock ion motion around the discontinuities and show that the data support our model. This study is another step toward a predictive model of HFA and FB formation so that we can forecast their space weather effects at Earth using solar wind observations at lunar orbit or L1.

Terry Z. Liu↗

Formation of Tropopause Cirrus clouds by Typhoon-induced gravity waves during the Asian Summer Monsoon: A Case Study from the BATAL 2017 Campaign

Cirrus clouds in the Tropical Tropopause Layer (TTL) have a net warming impact on Earth’s climate and they regulate the amount of water vapor entering the lower stratosphere through dehydration process near the cold-point tropopause. During the Boreal summer, Asian Summer Monsoon (ASM) is an important source of cirrus clouds and humidity in the TTL owing to frequent deep convection. However, better representation of convection and TTL cirrus clouds in global climate models is needed for accurate assessment of their response to changing climate. In this study, we investigate the mechanisms involved in the formation of a tropopause cirrus cloud layer observed during the Balloon measurement campaigns of the Asian Tropopause Aerosol Layer (BATAL) over Hyderabad (17.47 °N, 78.58 °E), India on 23 August 2017. A subvisible cirrus cloud layer (optical thickness ~0.025) was detected by a backscatter sonde (COBALD) onboard a balloon near the cold-point tropopause (CPT, temperature~ -86.4 ° C, altitude~17.9 km) which was later confirmed by the CATS lidar on the ISS. Simultaneous measurements from an optical particle counter (Boulder Counter) revealed the presence of ice crystals smaller than 50 microns in this layer. The formation mechanism responsible for this tropopause cirrus is investigated using a technique combining three-dimensional back-trajectories, satellite observations, and ERA5 reanalysis data. Satellite observations revealed that the overshooting convection associated with a category-3 typhoon Hato, which hit Macau and Hong Kong on 23 August 2017 injected ice into the lower stratosphere. This caused a hydration patch that followed the ASM anticyclone subsequently moving towards Hyderabad. The presence of tropopause cirrus cloud layers in the cold temperature anomalies and updrafts along the back-trajectories indicated towards the role of typhoon-induced gravity waves in their formation. This case study highlights the role of typhoons in influencing the formation of tropopause cirrus clouds through stratospheric hydration and gravity waves in the ASM anticyclone.

Amit Kumar Pandit↗

Petrological Traverse of the Olivine Cumulate Séítah Formation at Jezero Crater, Mars: A Perspective From SuperCam Onboard Perseverance

Séítah is the stratigraphically lowest formation visited by Perseverance in the Jezero crater floor. We present the data obtained by SuperCam: texture by imagery, chemistry by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, and mineralogy by Supercam Visible and Infrared reflectance and Raman spectroscopy. The Séítah formation consists of igneous, weakly altered rocks dominated by millimeter-sized grains of olivine with the presence of low-Ca and high-Ca pyroxenes, and other primary minerals (e.g., plagioclase, Cr-Fe-Ti oxides, phosphates). Along a ∼140 m long section in Séítah, SuperCam analyses showed evidence of geochemical and mineralogical variations, from the contact with the overlying Máaz formation, going deeper in the formation. Bulk rock and olivine Mg#, grain size, olivine content increase gradually further from the contact. Along the section, olivine Mg# is not in equilibrium with the bulk rock Mg#, indicating local olivine accumulation. These observations are consistent with Séítah being the deep ultramafic member of a cumulate series derived from the fractional crystallization and slow cooling of the parent magma at depth. Possible magmatic processes and exhumation mechanisms of Séítah are discussed. Séítah rocks show some affinity with some rocks at Gusev crater, and with some Martian meteorites suggesting that such rocks are not rare on the surface of Mars. Séítah is part of the Nili Fossae regional olivine-carbonate unit observed from orbit. Future exploration of Perseverance on the rim and outside of the crater will help determine if the observations from the crater floor can be extrapolated to the whole unit or if this unit is composed of distinct sub-units with various origins.

Mars 2020↗

Mineralogical Analysis of Calcium-Aluminum-Rich Inclusions Provides Insight Into Post-Formation Processes

Introduction: Calcium-aluminum inclusions (CAIs) are cm- to mm-sized intergrowths of refractory phases found in chondritic meteorites [1]. Their mineral compositions closely match the compositions of the solids thought to condense from an extremely hot (>1500K) gas with a bulk solar composition [2-4], suggesting that CAIs were the earliest solids within the Solar System [2-4]. These inclusions provide invaluable insights into the conditions and dynamics of the early Solar System. CAIs must be transported from their formation region near the protosun to the chondrite parent-body accretion region. The nature of their journey could affect how, when, and where the secondary processes recorded in these CAIs occurred [4]. Did these secondary processes occur in the solar nebula or during accretion with the parent body, or both? How were the CAIs affected by varying thermochemical processes? To better answer these questions, we have undertaken an in-depth, textural study of the secondary alteration of select CAI samples. Methods: We chose three CAIs that experienced a range of post-formation processing to gain better understanding of secondary alteration based on previous preliminary examination [5]. Representative CAIs were chosen from NWA 5508 (CV3), NWA 12772 (CV3), and Coolidge (CL4) carbonaceous chondrites. We used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) techniques for detailed chemical, mineralogical, and textural analysis of the CAIs. Backscattered electron (BSE) images and X-ray elemental maps were taken of Coolidge and NWA 5508 using the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) Phenom SEM. The JEOL 7900F SEM at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) was used to obtain energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) chemical maps of all samples. High resolution EBSD analysis identified the mineral phases and textures, providing key information on their nature. Based on the SEM and EBSD data, minerals of interest were selected for quantitative chemical electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA) using the JEOL JXA-8530F at NASA JSC. Results and Discussion: The EDS maps show that the NWA 5508 and NWA 12772 CAIs designated “Saguaro” and “Hoopoe” respectively [5] are enriched in calcium while the Coolidge CAI designated “Cottonwood” is aluminum and magnesium rich. Saguaro. A ~1.5cm diameter igneous Type B CAI with a rounded shape. The dominant phases are melilite, spinel, and Al-Ti pyroxene with minor anorthite. Spinel is subhedral and occurs in clusters. Some of these clusters have a circular geometry which encloses other minerals, known as a palisade structure [6] (Fig. 1). Some palisades form near perfect circles while others are more irregular in shape. Melilite in Saguaro ranges in size from coarse (>250m) to fine-grained (5-7m) and forms intergrown laths. A third of the melilite grains exhibit simple twinning about their <001> axis. The spinel palisades and twinned melilite in Saguaro suggest an igneous history, and the lack of secondary minerals suggests minimal aqueous alteration. At some point in time after the initial condensation of the minerals and formation of the inclusion, the sample was remelted and quickly solidified. The formation of the palisades is still heavily debated. One hypothesis is that the palisades are the rims of smaller CAIs that accreted early on, essentially acting as xenoliths within the larger CAIs [7]. Another hypothesis suggests an igneous origin for palisade structures [6-8] wherein the melt traps gas bubbles, and the spinel nucleates on the surface of this bubble. Based on the WDS spot analyses of 41 melilite grains using EPMA, the data suggest that the composition inside and outside the palisades is nearly identical. This finding indicates that these palisades are likely not exogenous but rather formed from melt-vapor reactions. Our results are consistent with studies by Simon and Grossman,1997 [6] and Zhang et al. (2019) [8]. Hoopoe. A ~0.5cm compact Type A CAI with an irregular shape. The dominant mineral phases are melilite, spinel, and hibonite with minor amounts of anorthite, augite, and perovskite. The melilite ranges in size from ~500 to 50µm. The larger melilite grains have simple twinning along the <001> axis like melilite in Saguaro. Melilite in Hoopoe exhibits crystal-plastic strain with misorientation dominantly about the <010> and <110> axes. Spinel shows subhedral to euhedral morphology and appears in clusters. Hibonite grains are similar to spinel in habit and size but show more plastic strain. The two minerals are often found together with one appearing to replace the other. Perovskite appears in fine grained recrystallized regions alongside fine augite and spinel. The abundant strain and deformation features in the melilite and hibonite suggest that Hoopoe experienced shock. This shock could have occurred in the nebula [9] or from an impact of another body on the parent body asteroid. The appearance of fine-grained (<10m) areas of augite, perovskite, and spinel in the dominantly coarse-grained inclusion suggest recrystallization, possibly due to the sudden increase in pressure and temperature. Cottonwood. This ~0.5cm CAI exhibits distinct mineralogy and textures suggesting a high degree of alteration. It is irregular in shape. The dominant mineral phases are spinel and anorthite with minor amounts of augite and rutile. The two main texture types can be seen in Fig. 2. The first type consists of coarse euhedral to subhedral spinel and anorthite. The second includes fine grained spinel, anorthite, rutile, and iron sulfides. Within these fine-grained regions, the anorthite grains are clustered into domains exhibiting the same crystallographic orientation. Rutile exclusively occurs with fine anorthite indicating a potential relationship between the two. Cottonwood has a clear and unbroken Wark-Lovering [10] rim (Fig. 2) on one side that consists of a sequence of spinel followed by anorthite and an outer layer of augite. The abundance of the fine-grained regions containing iron oxides and iron sulfides, secondary phases such as rutile, and oriented anorthite grains is evidence for recrystallization associated with a high degree of thermal metamorphism. The EPMA analyses on both coarse- and fine-grained spinel show that the fine spinel grains are more enriched in Cr (1-2 wt. %) than their coarse counterparts (0.1-0.5 wt. %). The data suggest thermal metamorphism drove chemical exchange of the previously refractory inclusion, introducing chromium and iron as well as sulfur, which is moderately volatile. Conclusions: The three CAIs analyzed record distinct secondary nebular and parent body processes. Saguaro melted in the nebula as seen by the twinned melilite and spinel palisades. Hoopoe experienced intense shock which deformed its melilite and recrystallized perovskite, augite, and spinel in fine-grained regions. Cottonwood shows evidence of recrystallization and chemical changes consistent with thermal metamorphism occurring after accretion into the parent-body.

V E Burnette↗

Evidence Report: Risk of Renal Stone Formation

Kidney stone formation and passage has the potential to greatly impact mission success and crewmember health, especially for long-duration missions. Alterations in hydration state (relative dehydration), spaceflight-induced changes in urine biochemistry (urine super-saturation), and bone metabolism (increased calcium excretion) during exposure to microgravity may increase the risk of kidney stone formation. There are possible countermeasures and treatments available that are used terrestrially that may then be applied to spaceflight. Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs) are used throughout this document to communicate spaceflight conditions that may lead to renal stone formation, the countermeasures that may be used to prevent their formation, and possible treatment modalities. The DAGs are sorted by strength of evidence, according to Table 6. Additionally, for the full Renal Stone Evidence Report Content: Directed Acyclic Graphs and Evidence Report, please see Appendix A, Expanded Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs) and Evidence. Additionally, a proposed Concept of Operations for the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Renal Stones for a Mars Mission was created in conjunction with and to complement this Evidence Report update. Please see Appendix B, Proposed Expanded Concept of Operations for the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Renal Stones for Mars Missions, for the full report. Areas in the following Evidence Report will be cross-linked to scenarios from the Concept of Operations.

Emily Stratton↗

Impact of Hydrogen Sulfide on Photochemical Haze Formation in Methane/Nitrogen Atmospheres

The chemistry of trace sulfur gases in planetary organic haze formation is poorly understood, though both are ubiquitous in planetary atmospheres. Here, we perform laboratory studies to explore how the addition of trace amounts of H2S (0.5–5 ppmv) affects organic aerosol produced from ultraviolet photochemistry of CH4 in N2. We analyze the aerosol product composition and size in real time. Inclusion of trace amounts of H2S in the precursor mixture significantly enhances the formation of organic aerosol mass and the particle effective density, both of which increase as a function of initial H2S concentration and in the absence of an additional carbon source. We further present evidence that the addition of trace H2S to the precursor mixtures leads to the formation of organosulfur compounds. Their inclusion in the aerosol-phase contributes to the organic aerosol mass enhancement. Thiyl-alkene chemistry is proposed as a possible organosulfur formation mechanism. In contrast to previous assumptions that sulfur and carbon chemistry occur largely independently of each other, these results suggest a coupling between the two chemistries. This coupling has potential impacts on organic haze and atmospheric sulfur chemistry in planetary atmospheres.

Nathan W Reed↗