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How to Request Lunar Samples

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1. RESEARCH SAMPLES (including thin sections)

NASA provides lunar rock, soil, and regolith-core samples for both destructive and non-destructive analysis in pursuit of new scientific knowledge. Requests are considered for both basic studies in planetary science and applied studies in lunar materials beneficiation and resource utilization.

A. The sample investigator demonstrates favorable scientific peer review of the proposed work involving lunar samples. The required peer review can be demonstrated in either of two ways: (1) A formal research proposal recommended by NASA's Lunar and Planetary Geosciences Review Panel (LPGRP), or an equivalent scientific peer-review panel, within the past three years; (2) Submittal of reprints of scientific articles, as published in peer-reviewed professional journals that directly pertain to the specific sample request.

B. The investigator submits a written request specifying the numbers, types, and quantities of lunar samples needed, as well as the planned use of the samples. For planetary science studies, the sample request should be submitted directly to the Lunar Sample Curator at the following address:

For engineering and resource-utilization studies, the sample request should be submitted to the Lunar Simulant Curator at the following address:

The Lunar Simulant Curator will assure that all necessary demonstration tests with simulated lunar materials have been satisfactorily completed. Requests determined to be sufficiently mature to warrant consideration for use of lunar materials will then be forwarded to the Lunar Sample Curator.

For all new investigators, tangible evidence of favorable peer review (step A) should be attached to the sample request. Each new investigator should also submit a resume.

Investigators proposing the application of new analytical methodologies (not previously applied to lunar samples) also should submit test data obtained for simulated lunar materials. New investigators who are not familiar with lunar materials should consult Lunar Sourcebook: A User's Guide to the Moon (G. Heiken, D. Vaniman, and B. M. French, Eds.; Cambridge University Press, 736 pp.; 1991; ISBN 0-521-33444-6) as the best available reference on the chemical and physical properties of lunar materials.

C. The Lunar Sample Curator will research the availability of the requested samples and decide whether a unilateral action can be taken or an outside scientific review is required. Outside review is prescribed for all new investigators and for most established investigators except where returned (previously used) samples are being requested. For outside review, the Curator forwards the original request, with background information, to the Curation and Analysis Planning Team for Extraterrestrial Materials (CAPTEM), a standing committee of scientists who advise NASA on the care and use of lunar samples. CAPTEM checks for favorable peer review (step A) and appropriate sample selection (step B).

D. Given CAPTEM endorsement and concurrence by NASA Headquarters, the Lunar Sample Curator will prepare a Lunar Sample Loan Agreement for signature by the investigator's institution. The agreement includes a simple security plan that prescribes precautions to minimize prospects for theft or unauthorized use of lunar samples.

E. Upon receipt of the properly executed loan agreement, the Lunar Sample Curator prepares the authorized samples and sends them to the investigator. Quantities less than 10 grams can be sent directly by U. S. registered mail to domestic investigators. Shipments to foreign investigators are sent by U. S. diplomatic pouch mail to the American embassy nearest the requestor's location. Quantities larger than 10 grams must be hand-carried by the investigator or his/her representative.

F. Continuation as a Lunar Sample Investigator. An investigator's privilege for retention and use of lunar samples is contingent upon continued good standing with the Office of the Curator. The investigator will remain in good standing by fulfilling the following obligations: (1) Maintenance of, and adherence to, the lunar sample loan agreement and security plan; (2) Timely cooperation with annual lunar sample inventory; (3) Timely cooperation with sample recalls.

2. PUBLIC DISPLAY SAMPLES

NASA provides for a limited number of rock samples to be used for either short-term or long-term displays at museums, planetariums, expositions, or professional events that are open to the public. Requests for such display samples are administratively handled by the JSC Public Affairs Office (PAO). Requestors should apply in writing to the following address:

Mr. Parker will advise successful applicants regarding provisions for receipt, display, and return of the samples. All loans will be preceded by a signed loan agreement executed between NASA and the requestor's organization. Mr. Parker will coordinate the preparation of new display samples with the Lunar Sample Curator.

3. EDUCATIONAL SAMPLES (disks and educational thin sections)

A. Disks

Small samples of representative lunar rocks and soils, embedded in rugged acrylic disks suitable for classroom use, are made available for short-term loan to qualified school teachers. Each teacher must become a certified user of the disks through a brief training program prior to receiving a disk. Educational sample disks are distributed on a regional basis from NASA field centers located across the United States. For further details, prospective requestors should use the contact information below.

B. Thin Sections

NASA prepared thin sections of representative lunar rocks on rectangular 1 x 2-inch glass slides, with special safety frames, that are suitable for use in college and university courses in petrology and microscopic petrography for advanced geology students. Each set of 12 slides is accompanied by a sample disk (described above) and teaching materials. The typical loan period is two weeks. Each requestor must apply in writing, on college or university letterhead, to the following address:

For each approved user, the Curator will prepare a loan agreement to be executed between NASA and the requestor's institution prior to shipment of the thin-section package.