Astromaterials News
Jemma Davidson, Astromaterials Curator
Volume 7 No. 2 • July 2025
Genesis 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.