The Importance of Creating a Unified Raman Spectroscopy Database for Lunar Rock Analysis in Space Exploration

The Importance of Creating a Unified Raman Spectroscopy Database for Lunar Rock Analysis in Space Exploration. F. Joseph1 , J. C. R. Zuncke1, I. Drozdovsky2 and M. Kaliwoda1,3 1Ludiwg-Maximilians-Universität München ([email protected], [email protected]), 2European Space Agency (ESA), HRE-OT, Linder Höhe, D-51147 Cologne, Germany ([email protected]). 3Mineralogische Staatssammlung München ([email protected]) Introduction: Raman spectroscopy has emerged as a critical analytical tool for characterizing the mineralogical and chemical composition of lunar rocks, offering non-destructive, rapid identification of mineral phases, volatiles, and potential biomarkers [1-3]. However, the lack of a centralized, standardized database for Raman spectral data of lunar samples for example poses significant challenges for both Earth-based research and future insitu lunar exploration [4-5]. This work proposes the development of a comprehensive Raman spectroscopy database tailored to lunar geology, designed to bridge the gap between high-resolution laboratory instruments and portable/handheld Raman spectrometers (Fig. 1) which might be used in space missions. The database would integrate spectral signatures from recent lunar meteorite studies, analog materials and minerals, enriched with metadata such as instrumental parameters (e.g., laser wavelength, resolution), environmental conditions (e.g. temperature), and mineralogical context. By harmonizing data across diverse instruments, the platform would enable robust cross-calibration, improving the accuracy of portable devices deployed by astronauts during extravehicular activities. Such a resource would empower real-time decision-making in missions, such as identifying scientifically valuable samples or detecting hydration features without Earth-based validation. A key innovation lies in optimizing the database for machine learning (ML) applications. Training ML models on curated, high-fidelity spectral libraries would enhance the predictive capabilities of handheld units, compensating for limitations like lower resolution or signal-to-noise ratios in field conditions. Additionally, the database could incorporate adaptive algorithms to account for lunar environmental factors, such as regolith-induced spectral interference or low-gravity effects on instrument stability. For space agencies, this tool would streamline mission planning—supporting instrument design for upcoming missions or lunar bases—while fostering global collaboration through open-access data sharing. The database would also serve terrestrial applications, such as analog site studies or educational outreach. By uniting interdisciplinary expertise in planetary science, spectroscopy, and data science, this initiative promises to revolutionize lunar exploration, enabling faster, more reliable geological insights both on Earth and beyond. References: [1] Cloutis, E., Turenne, N., Sidhu, S., Connell, S., & Applin, D. (2023). A Raman spectroscopy– compositional–structural investigation of lunar surface materials and analogues. Journal of Chemometrics, 37(9), e3439. [2] Varnam, M., Hamilton, C. W., Aleinov, I., & Barnes, J. J. (2024). Composition and speciation of volcanic volatiles on the Moon. Icarus, 116009. [3] Sephton, M. A., Steele, A., Westall, F., & Schubotz, F. (2025). Organic matter and biomarkers: Why are samples required?. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 122(2), e2404256121. [4] Mattioda, A. L., Gavilan, L., Ricketts, C. L., Najeeb, P. K., Ricca, A., & Boersma, C. (2024). The NASA Raman spectroscopic database: Ramdb version 1.00. Icarus, 408, 115769. [5] Ntziouni, A., Thomson, J., Xiarchos, I., Li, X., Bañares, M. A., Charitidis, C., ... & Lozano Diz, E. (2022). Review of existing standards, guides, and practices for Raman spectroscopy. Applied Spectroscopy, 76(7), 747-772. Figure 1: Portable Raman system setup