Sealed behind these walls lies a treasure trove unlike any other on Earth. The Building 31N – Lunar Sample Laboratory Facility isn’t just a building. It’s a vault holding pieces of our celestial neighbor, the Moon. Opened in 1979 here at the Johnson Space Center, Building 31N is the primary home of the lunar samples brought back by the Apollo missions. Imagine holding a rock that’s billions of years old, a silent witness to the Moon’s formation. Inside Building 31N, that dream is a reality. This isn’t just a storage space. It’s a sophisticated laboratory where scientists study these extraterrestrial rocks, unlocking secrets of our solar system’s past.
The Building 31N – Lunar Sample Laboratory Facility houses the vast majority of the 842 pounds of lunar material collected by the Apollo missions. Rocks, core samples, pebbles, sand, and even moon dust are all meticulously curated here. Think of the journey these samples have taken. From the desolate lunar surface, carried by astronauts across the vastness of space, to finally rest here in Houston. The facility’s design is a marvel of engineering. Built to withstand hurricanes and other natural disasters, it features elevated vaults to protect the precious cargo from flooding. The air inside is filtered and pressurized. Cleanroom suits are required, all to prevent contamination of these pristine samples.
Inside Building 31N, most samples are handled indirectly using stainless steel cabinets and multi-layered gloves. These cabinets are filled with pure nitrogen to maintain a sterile environment. It’s a testament to our commitment to preserving these invaluable specimens for future generations of scientists. Building 31N also houses some truly remarkable pieces. The Genesis Rock, a sample nearly as old as the Moon itself, resides here. So does Big Muley, the largest sample brought back by the Apollo program. These aren’t just rocks; they’re time capsules, offering a glimpse into the deep history of our solar system.
Building 31N also stores samples from beyond the Apollo missions, including meteorites from Antarctica, cosmic dust, and even particles from comets and interstellar space. It’s a comprehensive collection of extraterrestrial materials, all under one roof. While the bulk of the lunar samples are housed at Building 31N – Lunar Sample Laboratory Facility, a smaller portion is stored at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico. This offsite storage acts as a safeguard, ensuring the preservation of some lunar material in case of a disaster at the main facility. Access to Building 31N and its samples is carefully controlled. Researchers from around the world submit proposals, and a panel reviews each request. Only a select few receive the privilege of studying these lunar treasures. Each year, hundreds of tiny samples are distributed to approved scientists, pushing the boundaries of our knowledge about the Moon and the universe beyond.
The Building 31N – Lunar Sample Laboratory Facility is more than just a building. It’s a testament to human ingenuity, a vault protecting the spoils of our greatest extraterrestrial adventure. It’s a place where the past meets the future, where pieces of the Moon unlock secrets of the universe. And it’s right here, in Houston, waiting to inspire the next generation of explorers and scientists.