Astromaterials
The mission of Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Division, or ARES, is to combine scientific and engineering expertise in order to advance human space exploration, to integrate terrestrial and planetary research, and to promote successful space missions by mitigating risk. Our people are the world's leading sample scientists and we curate the most extensive collection of extraterrestrial materials on Earth.
Inside world-class laboratories, scientists perform research on planetary materials and the space environment to investigate the origin and evolution of our Solar System, the universe, and the possibilities of how life might form on other planets.
Researchers participate in robotic planetary missions, support human spaceflight activities on board the International Space Station, and assist in the design of next-generation exploration spacecraft.
NASA’s Artemis II Crew Uses Iceland Terrain for Lunar Training
At first glance, it seems like a scene from an excursion on the Moon’s surface…except the people are in hiking…
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Astromaterials Stories
NASA Shares Asteroid Bennu Sample in Exchange with JAXA
Revisiting OSIRIS-REx
Mapping the Red Planet with the Power of Open Science
Surprising Phosphate Finding in NASA’s OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample
Preparing For Artemis
Learn about NASA’s Artemis Program including where NASA is currently planning to send the first woman and next man to the surface of the Moon, where collected samples will be curated and how the Artemis Program will enable humans to learn, explore, and push the boundaries of human knowledge for the Artemis Generation and many generations to come.
