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Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis (ANGSA): an Apollo Participating Scientist Program to Prepare the Lunar Sample
C K Shearer1,2, F M McCubbin3, S Eckley3
1Dept. of Earth & Planet. Sci., Institute of Meteoritics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131 USA.
Space Science Reviews
|August 23, 2024
Summary
The Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis Program (ANGSA) analyzed unopened lunar samples, developing new techniques to prepare the Artemis generation for future Moon missions. This program provides crucial insights for lunar sample science.
Area of Science:
- Lunar geology and sample analysis.
- Planetary science and astrobiology.
- Space exploration and mission preparation.
Background:
- The Artemis Program aims to return samples from the Moon.
- Unopened Apollo 17 samples, stored for 50 years, offer a unique scientific opportunity.
- Previous lunar sample analysis methods are outdated for current and future missions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare for the Artemis Program's sample return by analyzing preserved Apollo samples.
- To develop and test new curation and analytical techniques for lunar samples.
- To provide a generational handoff of lunar sample science expertise from Apollo to Artemis.
Main Methods:
- Curation and analysis of unopened Apollo 17 drive tube and other stored samples.
- Development of new tools for opening sealed samples and extracting gases.
- Application of advanced analytical instrumentation and glovebox processing at low temperatures (-20°C).
Main Results:
- Successful opening of a lunar core sample sealed on the Moon's surface.
- Extraction and analysis of in situ lunar gases.
- Examination of a core sample from a lunar landslide deposit.
- Processing of pristine Apollo samples using novel low-temperature glovebox techniques.
Conclusions:
- The Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis Program (ANGSA) successfully prepared the Artemis generation for lunar sample return.
- New techniques and analyses provide unprecedented insights into lunar geology and history.
- ANGSA establishes a crucial foundation for future lunar sample science and Artemis mission success.
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