Sample Handling, Processing, and Control for In-Situ Lunar and Planetary Science Instruments

Technologies are sought to enable sample handling, processing, and control during future in-situ lunar and planetary missions. The proposed technologies should address critical gaps between the state of the art and technology needs that directly address in-situ sample handling, processing, and control requirements for lunar and/or planetary science instrumentation. Proposed technologies should facilitate effective, representative, unambiguous, and accurate sample analysis in a manner that does not modify the sample (chemically, physically, biologically) in an unpredictable or poorly understood manner that could compromise science results. Of particular interest are technologies that address future mission needs described in the National Research Council Planetary Decadal Survey report, "Origin, Worlds, and Life: A Decadal Strategy for Planetary Science and Astrobiology 2023-2032" and/or in the "Artemis III Science Definition Team (SDT) Report. Technologies that address the needs of multiple payload instruments or stand-alone instruments are desired, as are technologies capable of operating in multiple relevant environments.