Title:
Advanced Curation Methods of Astromaterials: Applications to Future Comet Nucleus and Mars Sample Return Missions
Agreement Number:
21FAALBB17
Agreement Value:
$99,715.00
Agreement Date:
Mar 21, 2022 - Mar 31, 2025
Description:
Missions to various planetary bodies in our Solar System – such as asteroids, the Moon, Mars, and comets – that involve bringing back a sample of that body are currently operating, planned or proposed by the world’s main space agencies. These Sample Return Missions will provide material for research by generations of scientists for decades to come. A crucial component of any Sample Return Mission is curation. Curation is the careful preservation of samples through the use of materials, tools, and enclosures, throughout all steps after return to Earth. The types of targets for future Sample Return need specific, advanced methods for their curation in order to keep them uncontaminated by molecules and conditions at the Earth’s surface.
The main purpose of this project is to train Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) in the advanced methods that will be needed for samples from future Sample Return Missions. The project will run the returned sample part of two analogue Sample Return Missions, using the Subzero Facility for the Curation of Astromaterials at the University of Alberta. The first mission will use materials that simulate what is expected from the surface of a comet or carbon-rich asteroid, and the second will involve materials analogous to what is collected by the NASA Mars 2020 Perseverance rover mission.
Organization:
Canadian Space Agency
Expected Results:
The Research component of the program provides financial support to organizations to conduct space related research and development in priority areas. It will support targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the future.
Location:
Edmonton, Alberta, CA T6G 2E1
Reference Number:
003-2021-2022-Q4-00050
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Additional Information:
The amount allocated covers more than one fiscal year.
Recipient's Legal Name:
University of Alberta
Program:
Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology
Program Purpose:
This program supports knowledge development and innovation in the CSA's priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities.
The Research Component aims to support the development of science and technology; foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada; and support information gathering and space-related studies and research pertaining to Canadian Space Agency priorities.