The influence of mass spectrometry is far‐reaching! In this issue of the Journal of Mass Spectrometry, Authors Arevalo, Ni and Danell describe the rich history and promising future applications of the mass spectrometer in the investigation of planetary bodies. Mass analyzers sent into space and deployed to planetary bodies are inherently different from the instruments used in a conventional laboratory setting. Payload instruments must be small and especially rugged, so that they survive the launch, cruise, and deployment phases of the mission. They must also provide a specific set of analytical objectives, including sensitive and quantitative measurements of chemical composition, and isotopic, elemental, and molecular abundances of both volatile and nonvolatile components. These systems must operate autonomously and provide unbiased information on planetary materials. In this month's Special Feature the authors discuss instrument types, their operational requirements, and highlight the expanding scope of mass spectrometry in interplanetary studies.

中文翻译：

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质谱和行星探索：简要回顾和未来展望

质谱的影响是深远的！在本期《质谱杂志》中，作者Arevalo，Ni和Danell描述了质谱仪在行星体研究中的悠久历史和有希望的未来应用。送入太空并部署到行星体的质量分析仪与传统实验室环境中使用的仪器本质上不同。有效载荷仪器必须小巧且特别坚固，以便它们在任务的发射，巡航和部署阶段都能幸免。它们还必须提供一套特定的分析目标，包括对化学成分以及挥发性和非挥发性成分的同位素，元素和分子丰度进行敏感和定量的测量。这些系统必须自主运行，并提供有关行星材料的公正信息。在本月的专刊中，作者讨论了仪器类型，其操作要求，并着重介绍了行星际研究中质谱技术不断扩展的范围。