The objective of this study was to examine an initial concept and requirements for a Lunar and Asteroid Receiving Facility (LaARF). Then based on previous Mars Sample Receiving Facility (MSRF) studies determine an optimal ‘Scenario’ that will allow evolution from a facility dealing with Moon and asteroid returned sample material to a facility dealing with Mars returned sample material with potential biohazard.
The LaARF concept and requirements were broadly derived from 10 High Level Capabilities (HLCs) which took into account Infrastructure, Equipment, People & Knowledge. The facility concept was required to deal with samples from a number of possible missions returning from Asteroids or the Lunar surface. A number of past and planned missions were outlined to draw both general features that can be used to develop the concept, and more importantly to derive the range of likely hardware / samples to be handled by the facility. Requirements for the general sample quantity and make-up expected were given, specifically; the facility will be able to accommodate 500g of samples comprising dust, grains and rocks of varying composition and sizes.