Lunar and meteorite samples loan scheme

(Credit: ESA)

You can borrow samples of Moonrock and Meteorites, in STFC's Loan Scheme.

Valuable samples of moon rock and soil were brought back to Earth by NASA's Apollo astronauts. STFC is the only authorised source for the loan of this precious material to educational or scientific organisations within the United Kingdom. Four educational packages are available free of charge (including special security delivery/collection) for short term loans of lunar samples and meteorites.

The samples were collected during NASA's manned space missions to the Moon in the late 1960's and early 1970's. During these missions the Apollo astronauts brought back to earth 382 kilograms of lunar material. NASA decided to use a small proportion of the rock and soil to develop lunar and planetary sciences educational packages.

The lunar samples are presented in encapsulated discs and thin sections for viewing through a microscope^*. They are of interest to everyone from a young child to a geology student. Each package also contains different examples of meteorites, put together by the Natural History Museum. Some sets have sectioned samples, and every set has chunk-sized pieces of meteorite that can be handled. Comprehensive support material is included with each loan. Hundreds of schools, colleges, universities, museums and astronomical societies throughout the UK have enjoyed the samples since the scheme began.
^* The thin sections are only available to University level students.

(Credit: ESA)

Please give us at least four months notice for booking the lunar samples.

For further information and how to apply for a loan, read the notes for borrowers + application then visit the frequently asked questions.

Public Relations Service

We can help you advertise the loan of the lunar and meteorite samples to your institution. Shortly before the loan, you would ordinarily be contacted by our Publicity Team, asking for permission to send a press release about the samples to your local media. Arrangements for the media to visit or contact your institution would be made through STFC. For details, please contact the press office.