Pioneering Pathways for Martian Exploration: The Work of Andrea Harrington
When astronauts eventually set foot on the Martian surface, it will be a moment not just shaped by cutting-edge technology, but also by decades of painstaking scientific groundwork. One of the pivotal figures in this monumental journey is Andrea Harrington, an instrumental force at NASA, whose contributions are setting the stage for groundbreaking discoveries in planetary exploration.
As the Sample Return Curation Integration Lead at NASA, Harrington is deeply involved in shaping the future of interplanetary exploration. Her work is integral to NASA’s efforts to ensure that samples collected from various celestial bodies, like Mars and the Moon, are handled with scientific precision and preserved for future study.
Harrington operates within NASA’s Astromaterials Research and Exploration Sciences Division (ARES) at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Her role involves weaving together strategies from diverse fields such as curation, science, engineering, and planetary protection. This ensures that both the design and operation of new laboratory facilities and sample handling systems are optimized for the challenges of space exploration.
A key aspect of Harrington’s job is to protect the samples from Earthly contamination and ensure that Earth is safeguarded from potentially harmful extraterrestrial materials. This task requires collaboration with experts across NASA’s numerous centers, senior leadership, engineers, the scientific community, and international space exploration agencies.
With a robust background in biology, planetary science, geochemistry, and toxicology, Harrington is a leading authority in developing the facilities and contamination control protocols necessary to preserve and study extraterrestrial samples safely. Her expertise is also crucial in improving operational practices and informing laboratory specifications for future lunar missions.
Harrington’s innovative work has already left a significant mark on the field. She has been involved in the development of technology like contamination-reducing clean closure systems and ultra-clean, three-chamber inert isolation cabinets. These systems are now standard equipment and have been integral to missions such as OSIRIS-REx and Hayabusa2. They also played a critical role in processing sensitive samples from the Apollo missions under the Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis Program.
Beyond technology development, Harrington has co-led efforts to assess high-containment and pristine facilities, which are critical for future sample returns from Mars, Europa, and Enceladus. Her leadership has not only advanced the ARES division but has also earned her two Director’s Commendations, acknowledging her invaluable contributions to the field.
In her own words, Harrington credits her well-rounded background and the experiences gained at NASA for her ability to effectively troubleshoot and solve complex problems. Her instincts and quick decision-making have been pivotal in addressing numerous challenges throughout her career.
Aside from her primary role, Harrington also leads the Advanced Curation Medical Geology team. This team is pioneering new techniques that require significantly less sample material to evaluate the potential health risks posed by astromaterials. They are studying various samples to determine which components might trigger strong inflammatory responses, which could inform decisions on protective gear for those handling these materials and enhance astronaut safety on future missions.
In a groundbreaking initiative, Harrington spearheaded a Space Act Agreement to develop a science platform on the International Space Station. This platform will facilitate planetary science and human health experiments in microgravity, furthering both human spaceflight and planetary protection objectives.
Harrington’s career at NASA has deepened her appreciation for the power of communication. She emphasizes the importance of listening and understanding diverse perspectives, which are as crucial as effectively conveying ideas and messages.
Her drive for space science is fueled by a sense of purpose. Harrington is motivated by the idea that her work benefits not just herself but humanity as a whole. Her dedication to enabling future generations of space scientists and explorers is both inspiring and foundational to her efforts.
Outside her professional life, Harrington has a passion for travel and discovery, whether mountain biking in Moab, scuba diving in the Galápagos, or exploring the architectural wonders of global cities. She shares these adventures with her family, including her sisters and her husband, Alexander Smirnov.
Harrington hopes to impart a spirit of adventure to the Artemis Generation, reminding them that exploration takes many forms. She believes that missions like Artemis and the return of pristine samples from other planetary bodies are essential stepping stones. These experiences will not only help us explore distant worlds safely and effectively but also inspire future explorers to achieve unimaginable feats.
In conclusion, Andrea Harrington’s work at NASA is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in space exploration. Her contributions are paving the way for a new era of discovery, ensuring that when humanity takes its next giant leap, it will be on the solid foundation of scientific excellence and visionary leadership.
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