The Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Directorate performs the physical science research at Johnson Space Center (JSC) and serves as the JSC focus for support to the HQ Science Mission Directorate. ARES staff member backgrounds cover essentially all the physical sciences (physics, chemistry, astronomy, geology), plus biology, mathematics, computer science and engineering. The Directorate Office directs and manages all functions in support of the activities of the ARES scientists, which involve the conduct of basic research in earth, planetary, and space sciences and the curatorial responsibility for all NASA-held extraterrestrial samples. ARES scientists and engineers also provide support to the human and robotic spaceflight programs with expertise in orbital debris modeling, analysis of micrometeoroid/orbital debris risks to spacecraft, image analysis and earth observations. As a result, responsibilities of the Directorate Office also include interface with the HQ Office of Safety and Mission Assurance, and the Human Space Flight Programs.