Micrometeorites in the stratosphere: collector design, sampling flight and characterization by mass spectrometry

A stratospheric mission KVU I. was launched in September 2020 to collect dust particles in the stratosphere. For this mission, a collector module with an aerodynamic funnel was specially designed. The collected particles were analyzed by optical microscopy and characterized by various techniques, such as SEM, SIMS and SEM-EDX. For the potentially extraterrestrial particles similarity of composition with carbonaceous chondrites was evaluated. Overall, three particles with potentially extraterrestrial origin were identified. Future missions with emphasis on prevention of contaminants with terrestrial atmospheric-borne particles are proposed as well.