Enabling in-situ planetary chirality measurements: toward a space-based vibrational circular dichroism spectro-polarimeter

Vibrational Circular Dichroism (VCD), measured through the differential absorption of circularly polarized infrared light, provides structural information inaccessible to classical IR spectroscopy. Although well established in laboratory settings, VCD has never been implemented in space or applied to planetary exploration. We outline early design considerations for a conceptual VCD spectro-polarimeter intended for deployment on planetary landers and assess the enabling optical technologies required to support such measurements. These studies are informed by ongoing VCD measurements on commercial instruments and by CHAIS, our assembled laboratory VCD testbed currently undergoing optimisation. This work defines a pathway toward enabling chiral spectroscopy on future planetary missions.