Gas chromatography in space

Gas chromatography has proven to be a very useful analytical technique for in situ analysis of extraterrestrial environments as demonstrated by its su ccessful operation on spacecraft missions to Mars and Venus. The technique is also one of the six scientific instruments aboard the Huygens probe to e xplore Titan's atmosphere and surface. A review of gas chromatography in pr evious space missions and some recent developments in the current environme nt of fiscal constraints and payload size limitations are presented. (C) 19 99 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.