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European Curation of Astromaterials Returned from the Exploration of Space

Objective

Sample return missions (SRMs) are a critical next step in our exploration of the Solar System and are identified as strategic missions by international space agencies. Europe has a very strong legacy in the curation and research of precious extraterrestrial materials. To maintain European leadership and ensure high-level involvement in future SRMs, a dedicated European Sample Curation Facility (ESCF) to receive and curate returned samples from the Moon, asteroids and Mars, is of critical importance.
Euro-CARES will focus on 5 key themes for developing a ESCF:
o Planetary Protection- protocols and methods for future SRMs
o Instrumentation and Analytical Methods- in the fields of cosmo/geochemistry and biosciences
o Facilities and Infrastructures- to curate sensitive extraterrestrial or biological materials
o Analogue Materials- that are most appropriate and can be used in ‘end to end’ SRM planning
o Portable Receiving Technologies- used to move samples whilst retaining scientific integrity and bio-containment (for Mars samples)
Using the 5 key themes Euro-CARES will:
1) Evaluate and critically assess the state of the art within Europe and internationally to identify critical requirements for the ESCF
2) Determine and verify European readiness levels to identify where investment is required and opportunities for European leadership in scientific and engineering fields related to curating extraterrestrial samples
3) Engage with scientific, industrial, governmental and public stakeholders through community workshops, conferences, publications and educational opportunities
4) Deliver recommendations and roadmaps defining the steps necessary to deliver a ESCF to ensure high-level involvement in future ESA and international SRMs
Euro-CARES comprises a team of scientists and engineers from across Europe with internationally recognised expertise in astrobiology, biosciences, cosmo/geochemistry, extraterrestrial sample curation, planetary protection and space exploration.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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(opens in new window) H2020-COMPET-2014

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Coordinator

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 365 008,79
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CROMWELL ROAD
SW7 5BD London
United Kingdom

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Region
London Inner London — West Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham
Activity type
Public bodies (excluding Research Organisations and Secondary or Higher Education Establishments)
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 365 008,79

Participants (12)

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