Evaluating geochronologic complexity and impactor diversity of highland impactites

Federal Grant Award Summary

William Marsh Rice University received a $461,351 Project Grant award from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) under the Science program (CFDA 43.001), effective May 14, 2025, through May 13, 2027. The award funds a research project titled "Evaluating Geochronologic Complexity and Impactor Diversity of Highland Impactites," to be conducted at the university's Houston, Texas facility. This project directly supports NASA's lunar exploration and planetary science objectives by analyzing the geochronologic characteristics and compositional diversity of highland impact samples, advancing understanding of the Moon's geological history and supporting broader exploration initiatives focused on the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

The research deliverables under this award include geochronologic analysis and characterization of impactite samples, with findings intended to contribute to NASA's balanced science program as guided by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. Rice University's Office of Sponsored Projects will manage the award execution, leveraging the institution's established capabilities in advanced analytical research and space science investigations. The project aligns with NASA Science Mission Directorate's strategic objective to expand human knowledge through scientific discoveries and supports the agency's participation as a key enabler in exploration initiatives targeting lunar orbit and beyond.