Appendix to Charter : Stardust Subcommittee

The Stardust Subcommittee of CAPTEM consists of six voting members, one of whom is Chair and a member of CAPTEM.

Responsibilities

The Genesis Subcommittee provides:

  • Peer review of requests for allocation of Stardust samples.  Sample requests are reviewed to enable curatorial decisions that maximize the scientific and educational value of Genesis material, and to preserve samples for future generations.
  • Technical assessments of Stardust curation procedures.  Technical assessments are provided for all aspects of Genesis sample curation, including sample and hardware handling processes, contamination control, documentation, and facilities design, care and use.

Allocation Review Process

Investigators are required to submit sample allocation requests to the Stardust Curator.  These may be submitted electronically, and at any time.  The Curator forwards requests from investigators to the Stardust Subcommittee, along with information about sample availability.  Requests are reviewed to assess the feasibility and scientific or educational merit of the proposed investigation, the capability of the researcher to manipulate and analyze the samples, and the availability and preservation of the sample.  The Chair assigns a lead reviewer from the Subcommittee, who leads a discussion among Subcommittee members by email, or by teleconference for more complex issues.  The Stardust Curator may participate in the discussions but does not vote.  The findings of the Subcommittee are transmitted to the Curator.