Planetary Sampling Strategies: Lessons Learned from the Analysis of Small Extraterrestrial Samples

Details Planetary Sampling Strategies: Lessons Learned from the Analysis of Small Extraterrestrial Samples Planetary Sampling Strategies: Lessons Learned from the Analysis of Small Extraterrestrial Samples

Feb 2004

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004aipc..699..925s&link_type=abstract

SPACE TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS INTERNAT.FORUM-STAIF 2004: Conf.on Thermophys.in Microgravity; Commercial/Civil Next Gen.Space

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Lunar, Planetary, And Deep-Space Probes, Solar System Objects

Scientific paper

Achieving the scientific objectives for exploring the terrestrial planets, moons, and asteroids requires a coordinated and integrative program involving orbital global mapping, in situ analysis by robotic rovers, and sample return and analysis. These approaches provide unique sets of data and data of varying quality and cost-effectiveness. In many cases, these scientific objectives cannot be answered by data derived solely from in situ analysis of material on a planets surface. The next series of planetary sampling missions will result in the return of fairly small sample mass (100g to 1 kg). Can small samples returned to Earth be used to answer pressing questions concerning important solar system processes? Here we illustrate the usefulness of applying both new or refined analytical approaches in deciphering information locked in small extraterrestrial samples. We present three examples in which the analysis of small extraterrestrial materials from planetary bodies have added greatly to our knowledge of the solar system: chemical analysis of lunar volcanic glasses, stable isotopic analysis of martian sulfides, and radiometric age dating of lunar samples. Included in our discussion of sample analysis in terrestrial labs are contrasts with in situ analysis on planetary surfaces, requirements of the analysis, and interpretation of the data.

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