To the Moon!
NASA’s Artemis program is preparing to return humans to the Moon and explore regions that have never been visited before, including the lunar south pole. These missions will collect new geological samples that could reveal important information about the Moon’s formation, its resources, and its potential to support future exploration. To make that science possible, astronauts need a reliable way to store and transport lunar material without contamination.
This project focuses on designing a next‑generation lunar sample container capable of protecting those samples from Earth’s atmosphere, extreme lunar temperatures, and the abrasive nature of lunar dust. The goal is to create a lightweight, durable, vacuum‑tight container that astronauts can operate while wearing bulky gloves and that can be safely secured during transport. By developing an improved sample‑return system, this project supports the scientific objectives of Artemis and contributes to the future of human exploration beyond Earth.
The Design
The lunar sample container is designed to be lightweight, durable, and able to protect the integrity of rocks and soil collected during the upcoming Artemis missions. It must hold two samples, maintain a watertight seal, withstand temperature fluctuation, and keep out abrasive lunar regolith. The container also needs to be easy for astronauts to operate with bulky gloves and secure enough to stay in place during transport. All of these features are verified through testing to ensure the samples remain protected from the lunar surface collection to the return to Earth.
The Box
A welded 14‑gauge steel box serves as the primary protective structure for the sample bags. It measures 15×15×30 centimeters with a 1.5‑centimeter brim for the lid. The interior is sized to hold two sample bags along with 3D‑printed TPU pads lined with steel wool to cushion and stabilize them during transport.
The Bag
A multilayer bag made from nylon, merino wool, and stainless steel mesh is sized to hold one sample rock. This layered system mirrors modern spacesuits, combining a protective outer shell with a cushioned interior. All materials are sewn and sealed to prevent any water from leaking through the fabric.
The Sealing
The box and bag use separate sealing systems to protect sample integrity. The box relies on an inset EPDM rubber gasket that seals against a bare steel brim, while the bag uses a two‑layer O‑ring systemthat compresses against its 3D‑printed housing. A torquing J‑lock provides the force needed to fully engage the bag’s seal.