sample Archives - Astrobiology

South polar stereographic projection of the Enceladus flybys for the Case 1 trajectory obtained in full fidelity and with all constraints. Numbered markers indicate each flyby and are placed at the point of closest approach, while the altitude evolution through the flyby hyperbola is mapped with a colorbar. -- Acta Astronautica

Astrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Cryobiology, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Missions & Hardware, Sample Return, Status Report, Titan, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Trajectory Design For A Titan-Enceladus Plume Sampling Pseudo-orbiter Mission

by Keith CowingJune 21, 2026June 21, 2026

The exploration of the Saturnian system, and in particular the plumes and subsurface ocean of Enceladus, has been identified as a key science theme for ESA’s Voyage 2050 program.

Larger image NASA ID: PIA26643

Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Mars, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, Sample Return, Status Report

The 33 Sample Tubes Collected by Mars Perseverance

by Keith CowingJuly 27, 2025July 27, 2025

Shown here is an annotated composite image of the interiors of the 33 tubes NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover has used to collect samples as of July 24, 2025, the 1,574th […]

A close-up of Apollo 17 lunar core sample 73001 being taken out of its drive tube for the first time since it was collected by Apollo astronauts in December 1972 at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Credits: NASA/Robert Markowitz

Artemis & Lunar Exploration, Astrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exploration Gear & Tech, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Missions & Hardware, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Sample Return, Status Report

Sample Return Contamination? Soluble Organic Compounds and Cyanide in Apollo 17 Lunar Samples: Origins and Curation Effects

by Keith CowingJune 9, 2024June 9, 2024

We analyzed twelve Apollo 17 samples through the Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis (ANGSA) program to determine the abundances of a variety of compound classes, including amino acids, aldehydes, ketones, […]

Front Hazcam Left image of Sid rock acquired just after the Atsah sample was drilled (sol 374) and prior to unloading of the stabilizers. The Drill and Stabilizers are labeled, and the Drill is partially extracted from the outcrop. There is a small tailings pile created by the coring activity around the Drill. Image FLF_0374_0700151087_506CWS_N0110108FHAZ00911_0A0195J02.

Astrogeology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Fossils & Paleontology, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Mars, Missions & Hardware, Press Release, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs

Study Determines The Original Orientations Of Rocks Drilled By Mars Perseverance Astrobiology Rover

by Keith CowingMarch 5, 2024March 5, 2024

As it trundles around an ancient lakebed on Mars, NASA’s Perseverance rover is assembling a one-of-a-kind rock collection. The car-sized explorer is methodically drilling into the Red Planet’s surface and […]