NASA Procedural Requirements

NPR 7100.5 Effective Date: August 16, 2023 Expiration Date: August 16, 2028

Subject: Curation of Astromaterials

Responsible Office: Science Mission Directorate

Chapter 5. Disposition of Incidental Collections

5.1 Applicability

5.1.1 This section applies to:

a. All NASA activities that acquire astromaterials incidentally, i.e. in any unexpected or unplanned way.

b. All NASA activities, projects, sub-projects, or other NASA ventures done at the level of individual investigators, which collect astromaterials on Earth or in the atmosphere or procure or otherwise acquire such material in the course of the project.

c. Astromaterials in NASA’s custody that are discovered in NASA laboratories or other facilities or among the artifacts of past NASA activities.

5.2 Disposition of the Specimens

5.2.1 Before or within six (6) months after the completion of the activity in cases 5.1.1 a and b, or upon discovery of the existence of the material in case 5.1.1 c, the project investigator or a representative of the relevant directorate or NASA Center shall consult with the Astromaterials Curator about the disposition of the astromaterials.

5.2.2 The Astromaterials Curator shall recommend a plan for approval by the Chief Scientist for Astromaterials Curation within SMD stating whether: (i) all or part of the material should be curated by NASA; (ii) all or part of the material should be transferred for curation to the Smithsonian Institution; (iii) in the case that the Smithsonian declines transfer, all or part of the specimens should be transferred for curation to another well-curated Federal or non-federal collection at a U.S. institution which makes specimens available by loan for scientific research; (iv) all or part of the material should be discarded because it has little or no scientific value, is hazardous, or for other reasons; (v) all or part of the material should be returned to the individual investigator (5.1.1b); (vi) the material should be returned to a collection from which the astromaterial originated. This plan will also contain a schedule for the disposition of the specimens in accordance with NPD 8700.1, NASA Policy for Safety and Mission Success.

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