The Apollo lunar landing missions of 1969 – 72 brought back invaluable geological samples weighing some 842 pounds (382 kg). The Lunar Sample Laboratory Facility, covering 14,000 square feet (1,300 sqm), was constructed in the late 1970s to provide these precious Moon rocks with a permanent, secure, and noncontaminating environment, and visitors from outside the scientific community are not welcome.
Around 100 specially screened educators and scientists visit the facility each year to examine samples, which are divided into two kinds: those that have been released to scientists for experimentation and then returned; and “ pristine” samples that have not been out of NASA custody coming to Earth. if visitors are working with pristine samples, they must adhere to the strictest rules. On arrival, they are required to remove any jewelry and change into nylon coveralls ( known as “ bunny” suits), hats, gloves, and multiple pairs of overshoes. they are then given a minute-long shower to remove any potential contaminants.
Pristine samples are processed in stainless steel cabinets fitted with attached rubber gloves, into which workers insert their hand so that they can manipulate samples without direct contact.Inert nitrogen constantly flows through the airtight cabinets to ensure no buildup of reactive gases that might permeate through the gloves. Any tools that are used undergo a special cleansing regime and are stored in hermetically sealed bags. The only materials permitted to come into contact with pristine samples are stainless steel, aluminium, and Teflon. All materials used in the building of the labs themselves were selected to avoid the risk of chemical contamination, and in operation at all times.
The Facility’s vault, which contains NASA’s 26,000 pristine samples, has a heavy door fitted with two combination locks. Transfers are made through an airlock, and a further watertight door can be bolted on if there’s a hurricane threat. The vault is elevated above the maximum predicted sea-level rises small but significant proportion of the collection is kept in another secret location, in case disaster ever strikes the Johnson Space Center. Considering these fragments of Moon rocks might help us answer some of the fundamental questions of our Universe, it is easy to see why such measures are in place.
