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NASA’s ARES Division Prepares for Return of Lunar Samples from the Moon’s South Pole
Situated at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Division (ARES) manages the most comprehensive collection of extraterrestrial materials on our planet. This collection ranges from tiny cosmic dust particles to rocks collected during the Apollo missions. As part of an exciting new initiative, ARES is poised to expand its collection with lunar samples from the unexplored South Pole region of the Moon.
Leading the effort in this Artemis campaign is Dr. Juliane Gross, who plays a critical role in overseeing the safe collection and return of these lunar materials. Her responsibilities include advocating for the protection and integrity of Moon rocks at every stage of the Artemis missions. “I represent the voice of the lunar samples, ensuring they are preserved and handled properly throughout the entire process,” Gross explained.
Dr. Gross’s multifaceted role encompasses preparing the receiving facility for the new lunar samples, devising curation strategies, and working closely with mission teams on various operations related to sampling, including collection, handling, transport, and storage. Her duties also extend to educating program managers and engineers on the significance of sample return missions and instructing crew members on how to accurately identify and collect lunar samples while avoiding contamination. Furthermore, she collaborates with different teams to manage the various vehicles involved in lunar missions, ensuring smooth operations between the human landing system, the Orion Program, and Exploration Ground Systems.
Upon the samples’ return to Earth, Gross and her team will conduct initial analyses before releasing a sample catalog for scientists globally to request loans for their research endeavors.
One interesting aspect of Gross’s work has been navigating the diverse professional language of her colleagues across the Artemis teams. “There is a distinct communication style between scientists, engineers, and managers, and I’ve worked diligently to bridge those gaps,” she noted. “My goal is to leverage our diverse expertise to advance mission success while fostering relationships fueled by our collective enthusiasm for lunar exploration.”
Dr. Gross’s passion for lunar science was ignited after completing her Ph.D. in geology and working on lunar samples at the Lunar and Planetary Institute. She later served as a research scientist at the American Museum of Natural History and as a tenured professor of planetary sciences at Rutgers University.
In 2019, NASA recruited Dr. Gross to partake in the Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis Program, which aimed to preserve some of the 382 kilograms of lunar samples returned by past Apollo missions. These samples remain sealed, awaiting future technological advancements for analysis. “NASA foresaw the evolution of technology and the boost in sophistication in handling samples,” Gross remarked.
During her tenure in this program, Gross and her colleagues had the opportunity to analyze two samples from Apollo 17, which served as a testing ground for Artemis sample returns while exhibiting key insights into the Earth-Moon system’s shared history. Their work included extracting gases from one sample to better understand the volatiles that future lunar missions may encounter at the Moon’s South Pole.
“This program connected the first generation of lunar explorers from Apollo with those involved in the Artemis missions,” Gross stated proudly. “Being a part of this initiative that paves the way for future exploration is a significant honor.”
Before her association with NASA, Dr. Gross participated in the Antarctic Search for Meteorites program, spending two months in Antarctica with a small team, where they recovered 263 meteorites under demanding conditions. She recounted experiencing the harsh elements of the Antarctic environment and the transformative nature of the experience, which deepened her appreciation for both the beauty and vulnerability of life.
Transitioning into her current role from academia has been a significant shift for Gross. However, she views it as an opportunity for personal growth amid an extraordinary moment in space exploration history. “Being part of the Artemis program, which represents a modern chapter of exploration akin to Apollo, is truly exhilarating and humbling,” she reflected.
Gross’s enthusiasm for space exploration has only intensified in her current role, emphasizing the importance of sample return missions. “The Moon serves as a historical archive of planetary processes,” she explained. “It has documented the changes affecting the Earth-Moon system, making it an unparalleled site for studying cosmic events in our solar system.”
Looking ahead, Gross stated, “The Moon is just our next frontier. Stay curious and keep aspiring. Ad astra!”
To learn more about NASA’s geology training and the preparations underway for future sample returns, watch the video below.
Source
www.nasa.gov