# Lunar Materials for Research

Carlton Allen, Astromaterials Curator, Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
77058

Between 1969 and 1972 six Apollo missions brought back 382 kilograms of
lunar rocks, core samples, pebbles and dust from the lunar surface. This
total includes 92 kg of material smaller than 10 mm. Grain size analyses
from 143 different samples of this lunar "soil" have been compiled in
the *Lunar Soils Grain Size Catalog* (J. Graf, NASA Reference
Publication 1265, 466 pp., 1993). The best available reference on the
chemical and physical properties of lunar materials is the *Lunar
Sourcebook: A User\'s Guide to the Moon* (G. Heiken, D. Vaniman, and
B.M. French, Eds.; Cambridge University Press, 736 pp., 1991).

The Lunar Sample Laboratory at the Johnson Space Center is the chief
repository for the Apollo samples. This Laboratory prepares hundreds of
samples each year for shipment to scientists around the world. However,
a large percentage of the original Apollo collection remains available
for research. Information at
[www-curator.jsc.nasa.gov/lunar/lunar.htm]{.underline}

Scientists proposing to investigate lunar materials should submit a
written request specifying the numbers, types and quantities of samples
needed as well as the planned use of the samples. Destructive, as well
as non-destructive, investigations are permitted. The sample request
should be submitted to the Lunar Sample Curator:

Dr. Gary Lofgren

NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX 77058

phone: 281-483-6187 email: gary.e.lofgren@nasa.gov

Researchers must demonstrate favorable scientific peer review relevant
to the proposed work. The required peer review can be demonstrated in
either of two ways: (1) a formal research proposal recommended by a NASA
Review Panel, or an equivalent scientific peer-review panel, within the
past three years; (2) submittal of reprints of scientific articles, as
published in peer-reviewed professional journals, that directly pertain
to the specific sample request. Investigators proposing the application
of analytical methodologies not previously applied to lunar samples
should submit test data obtained for simulated lunar materials. Each new
investigator should also submit a resume.

The Lunar Sample Curator will research the availability of the requested
samples and decide whether outside review is required. For outside
review, the Curator forwards the request to the Curation and Analysis
Planning Team for Extraterrestrial Materials (CAPTEM), a standing
committee of scientists who advise NASA on the care and use of lunar
samples.

Given CAPTEM endorsement and concurrence by NASA Headquarters, the
Curator prepares a Lunar Sample Loan Agreement for signature by the
investigator\'s institution. The agreement includes a security plan that
prescribes precautions to minimize the chance of theft or unauthorized
use of lunar samples. Upon receipt of a properly executed loan
agreement, the Curator prepares the authorized samples and sends them to
the investigator.

An investigator\'s privilege for retention and use of lunar samples is
contingent upon continued good standing with the Lunar Sample Curator.
The investigator will remain in good standing by fulfilling the
following obligations: (1) maintenance of, and adherence to, the lunar
sample loan agreement and security plan; (2) timely cooperation with an
annual lunar sample inventory; and (3) timely cooperation with sample
recalls.