The facility for storing and examining Genesis solar wind samples consists of two adjacent laboratories, both ISO Class 4 cleanrooms. One cleanroom is equipped with ultrapure water for experimental cleaning of containers and tools used in handling the solar wind samples. The other cleanroom is for long-term storage of samples and for examination and processing of samples.

Tool and Container Cleaning

Ultrapure water is generated, at 8 gallons per minute, for all curation labs at JSC. The high resistivity water (>18MΩ) is a result of having ion concentrations in the low parts per trillion., thus, the UPW is a reactive cleaning solvent used for cleaning Genesis sample containers and tools. Cleaning of Genesis sample fragments using megasonic energized UPW to remove surface particles will be done if requested by the researcher. UV ozone can be used to reduce molecular film, as needed.

Storage and Examination of Samples

Genesis solar wind samples are stored inside of stainless steel cabinets under pure, dry nitrogen for preservation. One half of the laboratory is equipped with instruments to characterize the sample fragments. Workers in the laboratory must wear full-coverage cleanroom suits.

Stainless steel, nitrogen-purged storage cabinets for Genesis samples.