The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NAS) has released the document, “Strategic Investments in Instrumentation and Facilities for Extraterrestrial Sample Curation and Analysis.” The report outlines current capabilities and facilities for the analysis of extraterrestrial samples, as well as future requirements for studying samples that will be returned to Earth in the coming decades.

A committee was assembled to explore the questions:

  • What laboratory analytical capabilities are required to support the NASA Planetary Science Division’s (and partners’) analysis and curation of existing and future extraterrestrial samples?
  • Which of these capabilities currently exist, and where are they located (including international partner facilities)?
  • What existing capabilities are not currently accessible that are/will be needed?
  • Whether the current sample laboratory support infrastructure and NASA’s investment strategy meets the analytical requirements in support of current and future decadal planetary missions.
  • How can NASA ensure that the science community can stay abreast of evolving techniques and be at the forefront of extraterrestrial sample analysis?

    • For further information, visit:
    http://sites.nationalacademies.org/SSB/CurrentProjects/SSB_178893

    The strategy document is available as a book from the National Academy of Science Engineering and Medicine at:
    https://www.nap.edu/catalog/25312/strategic-investments-in-instrumentation-and-facilities-for-extraterrestrial-sample-curation-and-analysis

    The entire book and individual chapters can be downloaded as pdfs. A hard copy of the book is also available from the NAS for purchase.