Analysis of Enceladus Plume Composition Using a Cassini CDA Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Data Pipeline
Advisor(s)
Dr. Christopher Spiese
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
24-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
24-4-2026 12:50 PM
Abstract
The Cassini–Huygens spacecraft explored the Saturn system and neighboring bodies for 20 years. One of the on-board instruments was the Cosmic Dust Analyzer (CDA), a time-of-flight mass spectrometer designed to characterize the chemical composition of dust. Because of the potential habitability of Saturn’s moon Enceladus, biosignature compounds present in its geyser plumes would be a strong indication of life. A data pipeline has been developed which analyzes the signals present in TOF spectra, calibrates them, and sorts them based on the identified compounds of interest. By corresponding Enceladus flyby dates with the impact events collected on those days, spectra being analyzed are likely to originate from Enceladus’ geyser plumes. Findings of sulfur would suggest its presence in the internal oceans of Enceladus and support its potential habitability.
Recommended Citation
Kosir, Jeremy, "Analysis of Enceladus Plume Composition Using a Cassini CDA Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Data Pipeline" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 74.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Posters/74
Open Access
Available to all.
Analysis of Enceladus Plume Composition Using a Cassini CDA Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Data Pipeline
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
The Cassini–Huygens spacecraft explored the Saturn system and neighboring bodies for 20 years. One of the on-board instruments was the Cosmic Dust Analyzer (CDA), a time-of-flight mass spectrometer designed to characterize the chemical composition of dust. Because of the potential habitability of Saturn’s moon Enceladus, biosignature compounds present in its geyser plumes would be a strong indication of life. A data pipeline has been developed which analyzes the signals present in TOF spectra, calibrates them, and sorts them based on the identified compounds of interest. By corresponding Enceladus flyby dates with the impact events collected on those days, spectra being analyzed are likely to originate from Enceladus’ geyser plumes. Findings of sulfur would suggest its presence in the internal oceans of Enceladus and support its potential habitability.