

Moon Rock Heists, Part One: Lunatic Heists and Space Law
Aug 27, 2025
Is it legal to own a moon rock? The hosts explore the wild world of lunar thefts and the complicated space laws that surround them. They dive into the story of Thad Roberts, whose moon rock heist was fueled by ambition and romance. With a mix of humor and intrigue, they discuss the fascinating protocols for preserving lunar samples and the quirky bureaucracies involved in moon rock management. Plus, the mystery of missing moon rocks and the cultural significance of these celestial artifacts provides a captivating backdrop to the wild universe of space exploration.
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Moon Rocks Require Extreme Preservation
- Apollo missions returned 842 pounds of curated lunar samples that required strict preservation.
- NASA stored and handled them in nitrogen environments and clean rooms to prevent oxidation and contamination.
Earth Air Destroys Lunar Scientific Value
- Oxidation from Earth's atmosphere quickly degrades lunar samples and ruins scientific value.
- NASA built ultra-clean facilities to keep samples chemically identical to their lunar state.
Practical Tools Preserved Lunar Samples
- NASA handled samples inside gloveboxes and vacuum cabinets using practical tools adapted from other industries.
- They even used modified deli slicers with diamond blades to cut samples without contaminating them.