NASA Genesis Solar Wind Sample Collection Update

After careful consideration and thorough evaluation of our current work priorities, resources, and budget constraints, we have decided to transition the Genesis collection from an active collection into preservation-mode. While the Genesis collection is in preservation-mode, we will still safeguard the long-term integrity of the collection, maintain loan agreements for samples that are currently allocated, and accept returned samples.

However, we will no longer allocate new samples or undertake additional characterization work in the collection.

This decision was not made lightly. The Genesis Collection has been a valuable resource for the scientific community, contributing to groundbreaking science and advancing our understanding of our Sun and the Solar System.

However, in recent years, the number of sample requests for Genesis samples have declined significantly. In light of evolving priorities and the need to allocate resources more effectively, this step is necessary to ensure the sustainability and continued excellence of our broader scientific endeavors, including paving the way for future sample return missions.

I understand that this news may be disappointing, particularly to those of you who have worked on the Genesis Collection for your research. Please be assured that we are committed to safeguarding the long-term integrity of this collection and will consider reopening for requests at some point in the future.

We will accept scientific requests for Genesis samples until Friday 5th September, 2025.
I deeply appreciate your understanding and continued support as we navigate these changes. Our commitment to advancing scientific knowledge remains unwavering, and I am confident that this decision will ultimately strengthen the collective efforts of NASA’s Astromaterials Acquisition and Curation Office.

The Astromaterials Newsletter is our exclusive mechanism for announcing new samples and sample targets of opportunity that are available for request. It is also our venue for providing any updates or announcements about each of the collections.

Thank you for your interest in the NASA Astromaterials Collections. Should you have any questions relating to this matter, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Jemma Davidson, Astromaterials Curator

Earlier post

NASA Astromaterials Newsletter
Judith Allton, Genesis Curator
Volume 7 No. 1 • April 2025

Genesis Sample Return 20th Anniversary: Looking Backward and Forward

There was a special session at the annual Lunar and Planetary Science conference (LPSC) in Houston last month that celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Genesis sample return. It comprised of 11 oral and six poster presentations, offering an example of the power of sample return missions to overcome challenges to achieve science goals – plus a lot more. Synergies with heliophysics and space weathering have come from Genesis samples.
“Serendipity” (Westphal) and “unexpected” (Jurewicz) described discoveries. Genesis PI Don Burnett paid tribute to Kuni Nishiizumi’s efforts as “heroic”. Younger scientists (e.g., Figure 1) were able to connect to learn and to share their ideas. There is still much science to be achieved from Genesis samples – including the novel use of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) data for statistical resolution of differences in solar wind velocity, useful for solar modeling. See more details in the LPSC 2025 program.

Laboratory Update

A Leica optical microscope with the capability for 3-D stacking of images was recently installed (Figure 3), which will be useful for characterizing damage dings or small particles on collectors. A small silicon collector, imaged with the new microscope, is shown below (Figure 4).

Implant Standard Project Update

To date, 63 implant standard reference pieces have been incorporated into the Genesis database by the handling and documentation procedure described in Calva et al. (2025) LPSC 2025, abstract #1175. Five separate implant sessions are associated with a variety of collector materials (silicon, silicon on sapphire, sapphire, diamond-like-carbon on silicon). Implanted ions include 34-S, 35-Cl, 13-C, 36-Ar. The next step in the process of making these available is to develop the criteria for sample control and distribution.

Sample Requests

You can find our Genesis sample catalog and the form for requesting samples online:
Catalog – Solar Wind Samples Catalog (nasa.gov)
Online Sample Request Form – Genesis Sample Request Documents and Forms (nasa.gov)
Contact Judy Allton or Carla Gonzalez via email to set up a TEAMS meeting.

Astrobiology, Astrochemistry, Astrogeology, Space Weather,