Unveiling the ‘rust’ in the Apollo 16 sample 66095 "Rusty Rock": Tracing lunar volatiles to prepare for Artemis III

This research contributes to lunar exploration in the context of NASA’s Artemis III sample-return mission. We aim to characterize low temperature, volatile-rich mineral phases in Apollo 16 sample 66095 “Rusty Rock”, preserved in pristine atmosphere since its collection. Thought to represent an ancient lunar fumarole, the sample contains primordial volatiles transported from the lunar interior to the surface by basaltic magmatism. Constraining their nature and behaviour during volcanic eruptions is essential for understanding the Moon’s history, water cycle, and evolution, as well as assessing resources for future In Situ Resource Utilization. This project will re‑examine 66095 by applying nanobeam synchrotron XRD combined with confocal synchrotron XRF immediately after exposing the sample to the terrestrial air for the first time. This approach will help detect intrinsic lunar volatiles, clarify their origins, and guide strategies for studying future Artemis samples.