Presentation to the NAC Planetary Science Subcommittee June 7, 2007 Dedicated to Maximizing Planetary Sample Science While Protecting the Integrity of NASA Collected Extraterrestrial Materials June 11, 2007 1
Outline CAPTEM Structure Summary of agenda formarch 2007 meeting. Current activity within context of CAPTEM s functions. June 11, 2007 2
CAPTEM STRUCTURE CAPTEM Chip Shearer Science Action Team Lunar subcommittee Clive Neal Stardust Subcommittee Andrew Westphal Genesis Subcommittee Andy Davis Cosmic Dust Subcommittee George Flynn Facilities Subcommittee Chip Shearer ISRU Advisory Group Meetings October 2006 March 2007 June 11, 2007 3
CAPTEM Meeting Agenda I March 17-18, 2007 Lunar and Planetary Institute JSC Organizational Report (Hawley, Stansbery) Overview of NASA Astromaterial Facility (Allen, Vidonic) NASA HQ Report (M. Lindstrom) Briefing and discussion of analytical equipment necessary for conducting preliminary examination of collected lunar samples on the lunar surface (Eppler, Leshin). Briefing on NASA Advisory Council Workshop on Lunar Science (Jolliff). Briefing on Lunar Exploration Analysis Group (Neal) Briefing on status of analysis of the utilization of Constellation Architecture for Mars sample return analysis (Allen) June 11, 2007 4
Curatorial Reports CAPTEM Meeting Agenda II March 17-18, 2007 Lunar and Planetary Institute Stardust (Zolensky) Genesis (Allton) Cosmic Dust (Zolensky) Lunar (Lofgren) Allocation Subcommittee Reports Stardust (Westphal) Genesis (Davis) Cosmic Dust (Flynn) Lunar (Neal) June 11, 2007 5
CAPTEM Meeting Agenda III March 17-18, 2007 Lunar and Planetary Institute Briefing on STARDUST Science (Brownlee, Tsou). Briefing on Genesis Science and Publication Plans (Davis). Sample return capabilities in the lunar exploration architecture (Shearer). CAPTEM Sponsored Initiatives and Workshops: - Early Planetary Differentiation (Shearer) - Oxygen Initiative (Mackwell) - Sampling of planetary bodies: Scientific rationale, reducing risk and increasing competitiveness of sample return missions (Shearer, Mackwell) - Discussion of other CAPTEM sponsored workshops tied to Stardust, Genesis, or in cooperation with LEAG, VEXAG, MEPAG, FEAT (Shearer). Discussion of CAPTEM Terms of Reference June 11, 2007 6
CAPTEM s Function Plays an important role in the allocation of NASA collected planetary materials. March 2007 Meeting: Lunar Samples = 10 requests (60 samples) Stardust = 22 requests for Wild 2 comet samples. Genesis = 9 requests Cosmic dust = allocation lab open for short duration to fulfill 10 requests. June 11, 2007 7
CAPTEM s Function Provides Analysis and Guidance for NASA Sample Curation. Handling and allocation approaches for new Apollo samples. Plan for Preliminary Examination of Stardust Interstellar dust samples. Review capability for curation of future lunar samples. June 11, 2007 8
CAPTEM s Function Provides Sample Science Expertise. At the request of the NAC conducted Analysis of Lunar Sample Mass Capability for the Lunar Exploration Architecture. Organized Working Group to analyze reducing risk and increasing competitiveness of sample return missions Provided input into Utilization of Constellation Architecture for Mars sample return analysis. Analysis and Selection of Lunar Samples at the Lunar Outpost. June 11, 2007 9
CAPTEM s Function Provides Sample Science Expertise. The PSS views the sample mass allocation in the current exploration architecture for geological sample return as too low to support the top science objectives. We are asking that CAPTEM undertake a study of this issue with specific recommendations for sample return specifications. June 11, 2007 10
Dedicated to Maximizing Planetary Sample Science While Protecting the Integrity of NASA Collected Extraterrestrial Materials June 11, 2007 11
Analysis of Lunar Sample Mass Capability for the Lunar Exploration Architecture Two approaches to estimate the mass of traditional geological sample: Estimates based on Apollo surface operations. Estimates linked to sample-based science yield. The relationship between sample mass and scientific output. Ties sample type and mass to the objectives of the lunar architecture science and analytical needs to fulfill science objectives Estimated the sample and container mass required for returning and preserving lunar volatiles that may be associated with some types of lunar surface material. June 11, 2007 12
Analysis of Lunar Sample Mass Capability for the Lunar Exploration Architecture Findings: (1) Surface operations would conceivably have the capability of sampling at least 800 kg of lunar material per sortie mission. (2) The lunar exploration architecture should accommodate 150 kg of traditional geological samples for return to Earth. (3) This geological sample mass exceeds that of the Apollo 17 mission by only 35%. (4) Container mass needed to accommodate 150 kg of lunar samples is approximately 30 kg. Could be accommodated into 3 ALSRC (Apollo Lunar Sample Return Container), 4800 cm 3 of volume. June 11, 2007 13
Analysis of Lunar Sample Mass Capability for the Lunar Exploration Architecture Findings: (5) To accommodate the preservation of volatile-bearing samples, an additional 36 kg of samples and containers need to be included in the architecture capability. (6) Current nominal return mass requirement of 100 kg will not meet basic needs of either human exploration or science over the projected lifetime of the CEV and VSE. (7) On the basis of our analysis, a total mass capability of 250 to 300 kg is appropriate to accommodate all materials (biological, geological, engineering) and associated containers from the lunar surface. June 11, 2007 14
CAPTEM s Function Sponsors of sample science based initiatives & workshops. Past Workshops. Martian sulfate workshop (Oct. 06) Early Planetary Differentiation Workshop (Dec. 06) Future Workshops Stardust Science Workshop (2008). Sample Return Capability-Technology Workshop (2008). June 11, 2007 15
Richer understanding of the Moon, Earth-Moon system & Solar System. Exploration Enabling. Surface-Sensitive Measurements, Detailed Analyses Sample Return Science Exploration Science Ground Truth, Planetary Context Material Properties, ISRU Potential, Orbital Science June 11, 2007 Surface Science Surface Conditions, Planetary Context 16