Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis Program (ANGSA)

Consortium for the Advanced Analysis of Apollo Samples (CAAAS)

The overall intent of CAAAS and the ANGSA consortium is to link the first generation of explorers (Apollo) with future explorers (Artemis) through multi-generational science and preliminary examination teams. The science goals for CAAAS is to examine the Apollo 17 double drive tube core to (1) reconstruct the lunar volatile record, (2) define the triggers and dynamics for lunar landslides, and (3) examine the efficiency of collecting and processing volatile-bearing lunar samples during Program Apollo and implications for exploring and sampling lunar volatile reservoirs/resources during Program Artemis activities. Volatile components and their distribution in the Apollo 17 core will be identified from the nano-scale to planetary-scale. These observation will provide a fundamental understanding the nature and types of near-surface lunar volatiles, and where and how volatiles are trapped in these reservoirs. Defining the stratigraphy of the first lunar landslide deposit samples and dynamically modeling these events will allow us to address what lunar processes trigger such events (e.g., impact events, movement along faults), what are the conditions of a landslide event, what is the role of volatiles in such a process. Finally, examining the volatile record in the two portions of the double drive tube and the sealing capabilities of the Core Sample Vacuum Container will enable us to carry out engineering designs for future sampling protocols and containment of volatile- bearing samples for future lunar surface activities. This team consists of scientists and engineers from the University of New Mexico, Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmitt, Johnson Space Center, Goddard Space Flight Center, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Lunar and Planetary Institute (USRA), European Space Agency, University of Notre Dame, Washington University St. Louis, Penn State University, Purdue University, University of California Riverside, University of Hawaii, University of Virginia, University of Maryland, University of Manchester (UK), Open University (UK), University College London (UK).

Contact Information: Charles Shearer, [email protected]