The Universe Under the Microscope: TESCAN Tech in Space Research

From the Vastness of Space to Atomic Precision 

In a new study, scientists have leveraged TESCAN’s state-of-the-art microscopy technology to peer into the minute details of asteroid 162173 Ryugu. This collaborative effort, involving researchers from various institutions, aimed to shed light on the prebiotic organic materials found on the asteroid.  

By using TESCAN’s Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB-SEM), the team achieved remarkable insights, blending the macro perspective of space with the micro view of atomic structures. 

Goals and Methods of the Research 

The primary objective of this research was to comprehend the evolution of organic material on Ryugu, a near-Earth object, and its implications for understanding the origins of life. Ryugu has long intrigued scientists due to its primitive composition, which likely dates back to the early solar system. 

The research was made possible through Hayabusa2, an asteroid sample-return mission by the Japanse space agency JAXA. The spacecraft’s mission to collect samples from Ryugu provided a unique opportunity to analyze extraterrestrial materials directly. 

To achieve their goals, the researchers employed a range of sophisticated methods: 

Sample Collection: Hayabusa2’s meticulous sample collection process ensured that pristine material was brought back to Earth. Specific instruments like the sampling horn and Small Carry-on Impactor were used to gather the samples.

• Sample Preparation: Preparing these samples for analysis required cutting-edge technology to maintain their integrity and prevent contamination. Steps included cutting, mounting, and coating the samples to prepare them for FIB-SEM analyses.
  

• Microscopy Techniques: Advanced imaging techniques, particularly TESCAN’s FIB-SEM, were crucial in examining the samples at an atomic level. 

Region of 3D FIB-SEM tomography and elemental (EDS) analysis from the edge of particle A0083 (Radegast) from asteroid 162173 Ryugu. Source: Changela, H.G., Kebukawa, Y., Petera, L. et al. The evolution of organic material on Asteroid 162173 Ryugu and its delivery to Earth. Nat Commun 15 , 6165 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-50004-w

Precision of TESCAN Technology

TESCAN’s FIB-SEM technology played an indispensable role in this research. The FIB-SEM technique involves using a focused ion beam to mill away ultra-thin slices of the sample, which are then examined with a scanning electron microscope. This method allowed the researchers to:

• Prepare Ultra-Thin Samples: The precision of FIB-SEM enabled the preparation of samples that are only a few tens of nanometers thick, essential for detailed analysis.
  

• Minimize Damage: The technology’s ability to create samples with minimal mechanical damage preserved the delicate organic structures within the samples.
  

• 3D Imaging: By sequentially milling and imaging the samples, the team constructed detailed three-dimensional reconstructions of the organic materials. 

Stunning Results

The analysis revealed complex organic compounds within the Ryugu samples, providing insights into the chemical processes that may have occurred in the early solar system. The findings suggest that the building blocks of life could have formed in space and were delivered to Earth via asteroids. This supports the theory that extraterrestrial objects played a vital role in the emergence of life on our planet. 

Additional findings included isotopic analysis and mineralogical compositions, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the asteroid’s makeup. 

3D FIB-SEM tomography of the coarse-grained organic particle from asteroid 162173 Ryugu. Source: Changela, H.G., Kebukawa, Y., Petera, L. et al. The evolution of organic material on Asteroid 162173 Ryugu and its delivery to Earth. Nat Commun 15 , 6165 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-50004-w

Analyzing Intricate Structures 

This study underscores the transformative power of TESCAN’s microscopy technology in space research. By allowing scientists to examine the microcosm of an asteroid with unprecedented detail, TESCAN has helped bridge the gap between the vastness of space and the intricate structures of organic compounds. 

The collaboration among international researchers and the use of cutting-edge technology has provided a deeper understanding of the early solar system and the origins of life, showcasing the impact of advanced microscopy in unraveling the mysteries of the universe.

Source: Changela, H.G., Kebukawa, Y., Petera, L. et al. The evolution of organic material on Asteroid 162173 Ryugu and its delivery to Earth. Nat Commun 15, 6165 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-50004-w

The evolution of organic material on Asteroid 162173 Ryugu and its delivery to Earth

Nature Communications - Studies of samples of asteroid Ryugu returned by the Hayabusa-2 mission show that the action of water and organic material on carbonaceous asteroids lead to the widespread...