ARES - Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science

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ARES Facilities and Labs

The Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Directorate has facilities dedicated to Research, Curation, Orbital Debris, Hypervelocity Impact Technology and Image Science and Analysis.

Research Facilities utilize state-of-the-art analytical and experimental facilities to measure the ages and physical properties of planetary materials and experimentally duplicate the temperatures and pressures of planetary interiors and the cratering processes that dominate planetary surfaces. Unique facilities for high spatial resolution studies of Astromaterials as well as facilities to support instrument concept development and calibration supporting robotic and manned missions to the Moon and Mars exist within the ARES Research group.
Curatorial Facilities serve to protect, preserve, and distribute astromaterial samples to the scientific community. The six astromaterial collections are lunar materials, meteorites, cosmic dust, solar wind, cometary and interstellar samples and space exposed hardware.
The Orbital Debris Facility supports the continuing development of an improved understanding of the orbital debris environment and measures that can be taken to control its growth.
The Hypervelocity Impact Technology Facility conducts research in and develops spacecraft meteoroid and orbital debris (M/OD) shielding, as well as provides M/OD risk assessments based on spacecraft geometry, mission profile, and M/OD shield performance.
The Image Science & Analysis Facility provides the ability to enhance and analyze imagery taken from both ground and on-orbit assets for assessments of flight events and inspections. This facility also conducts earth and space science research and activities leading to support of human space flight and planning for future human space missions.



	Space Exposed Hardware Lab

Facility			Manager
Astromaterials Curation Facility			KT/CARL ALLEN +1 281 483-5126
Labs
- Cosmic Dust Laboratory - Final-Cleaning Facility - Genesis Laboratory - Liquid Nitrogen System - Lunar Sample Curation - Meteorite Processing - Pre-Cleaning Facilities	- Remote Storage Facility - Sample Control Data Center - SEH Laboratory - Stardust Lab - Thin Section Laboratory - UPW SYSTEM
Description
Curation (documentation, preservation, and distribution) of lunar sample, meteorite, cosmic dust, Genesis, and Stardust collections as well as space exposed hardware.

Facility			Manager
Astromaterials and Exploration Research Facility			KR/DAVID DRAPER +1 281 483-9486
Labs
- ARES Analytical Lab - ARES Chemical Laboratory - Astonomy Lab - Astrobiology Laboratory - Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) - Electron Microscopy - Experimental Impact (EIF) - Experimental Petrology - FIB Lab - ICPMS Lab	- Infrared Spectroscopy - Laser Microprobe - Laser Scribing Lab - Light Stable Isotope Lab - M3EGA Lab - Microsample Handling Clean Laboratory - Multi-Anvil and High Pressure Lab - NanoSIMS 50 Laboratory - Neutron Activation Analysis	- Noble Gas Analysis - Optical Microscopy Laboratory - Raman Microprobe Lab - Semi-Clean Prep Lab - Soil Chemistry & Mineralogy - Spectroscopy and Magnetics Laboratory - TEM 2500 - Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometer (Chronology) - X-Ray Diffraction Laboratory
Description
Scientific studies and analysis of non-terrestrial and terrestrial materials in planetary science and astrobiology for mineral, chemical, and isotopic analysis; cratering phenomena, and planetary petrology. The high spatial resolution isotopic abundance determinations is unique. We also support instrument concept development and calibration supporting robotic & manned missions to Moon & Mars.

Facility			Manager
Image Science and Analysis Lab Facility			KA/TRACY CALHOUN +1 281 483-6802
Labs
- Image Science and Analysis Lab Facility
Description
Provides for the ability to enhance and analyze imagery taken from both ground and on-orbit assets for assessments of flight events and inspections. Earth and space science research and activities leading to support of human space flight and planning for future human space missions.

Facility			Manager
Orbital Debris Facility			KX/EUGENE STANSBERY +1 281 483-8417
Labs
- Orbital Debris Research Office
Description
Conducts measurements of the space environment (radar and optical), models the current and evolving orbital debris population, performs reentry and break-upanalysis and in developing the technical consensus for adopting mitigation, measures to protect users from the orbital debris environment. The facility supports the continuing development of an improved understanding of the orbital debris environment and measures that can be taken to control its growth.

Facility			Manager
Hypervelocity Impact Technology Facility			KX/ERIC CHRISTIANSEN +1 281 483-5311
Labs
- Hypervelocity Impact Facility
Description
This facility conducts research in and develops spacecraft meteoroid and orbital debris (M/OD) shielding, as well as provides M/OD risk assessments based on spacecraft geometry, mission profile, and M/OD shield performance.

Facility			Manager
ARES Infrastructure Facility			KA/GREGORY BYRNE +1 281 483-5540
Labs
- ARES Computer Shop - ARES Server Room - Fabrication and Repair Test Facility
Description
This Institutional servers and ancillary equipment supporting KA

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