Description
Icy moons such as Enceladus represent prime targets for detecting life beyond Earth due to their subsurface oceans and active plume emissions enabling direct sampling. This work develops a multi-instrument methodology to analyse Cassini VIMS and INMS data, characterising organic compounds and assessing biosignature potential. VIMS analysis reveals systematic differences between tiger stripe fractures and nearby terrain, with organic C-H features and CO$_2$ ice indicating subsurface volatile delivery. Crystalline ice detection requires formation temperatures exceeding 130 K. INMS reveals water dominance (79.30\%) with high molecular diversity, including ammonia, radiogenic $^{40}$Ar, and benzene, supporting an active ocean with water-rock interactions. The methodologies align well with established approaches, validating the analysis framework. However, Cassini's instrumental limitations prevent definitive biosignature detection. The combined evidence establishes Enceladus as a prime astrobiology target with conditions analogous to Earth's hydrothermal vents, providing a validated framework for future ocean world exploration.
| Field of Research/Work | Beyond Physics |
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