COSPAR Policy on Planetary Protection

What Should We Know, and When Can We Know It? Planetary Protection Precursors (Lunar and Elsewhere) to Human Mars Exploration

10.2514/6.iac-04-g.6.05 ◽

2004 ◽

Keyword(s):

Mars Exploration ◽

Planetary Protection

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EXECUTION OF THE PLANETARY PROTECTION PROGRAM WITHIN THE SCOPE OF «EXOMARS-2016» MISSION

Aerospace and Environmental Medicine ◽

10.21687/0233-528x-2017-51-4-52-58 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 51 (4) ◽

pp. 52-58

Author(s):

E.A. Deshevaya ◽

◽

N.M. Khamidullina ◽

A.A. Guridov ◽

D.V. Zakharenko ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Planetary Protection

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Inevitable future: space colonization beyond Earth with microbes first

FEMS Microbiology Ecology ◽

10.1093/femsec/fiz127 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 95 (10) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jose V Lopez ◽

Raquel S Peixoto ◽

Alexandre S Rosado

Keyword(s):

Potential Space ◽

Public And Private ◽

Planetary Protection ◽

Overwhelming Evidence ◽

Future Space ◽

Private Research ◽

Life On Earth ◽

Space Colonization ◽

Future Plans

ABSTRACT Based on modern microbiology, we propose a major revision in current space exploration philosophy and planetary protection policy, especially regarding microorganisms in space. Mainly, microbial introduction should not be considered accidental but inevitable. We hypothesize the near impossibility of exploring new planets without carrying and/or delivering any microbial travelers. In addition, although we highlight the importance of controlling and tracking such contaminations—to explore the existence of extraterrestrial microorganisms—we also believe that we must discuss the role of microbes as primary colonists and assets, rather than serendipitous accidents, for future plans of extraterrestrial colonization. This paradigm shift stems partly from the overwhelming evidence of microorganisms’ diverse roles in sustaining life on Earth, such as symbioses and ecosystem services (decomposition, atmosphere effects, nitrogen fixation, etc.). Therefore, we propose a framework for new discussion based on the scientific implications of future colonization and terraforming: (i) focus on methods to track and avoid accidental delivery of Earth's harmful microorganisms and genes to extraterrestrial areas; (ii) begin a rigorous program to develop and explore ‘Proactive Inoculation Protocols’. We outline a rationale and solicit feedback to drive a public and private research agenda that optimizes diverse organisms for potential space colonization.

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Expectations for Backward Planetary Protection Planning During Mars Sample Return Planning

2020 IEEE Aerospace Conference ◽

10.1109/aero47225.2020.9172722 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Lisa M. Pratt ◽

Alvin L. Smith

Keyword(s):

Sample Return ◽

Planetary Protection

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Planetary protection on international waters: An onboard protocol for capsule retrieval and biosafety control in sample return mission

Advances in Space Research ◽

10.1016/j.asr.2013.12.041 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 53 (7) ◽

pp. 1135-1142 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Yoshinori Takano ◽

Hajime Yano ◽

Yasuhito Sekine ◽

Ryu Funase ◽

Ken Takai

Keyword(s):

Sample Return ◽

Planetary Protection ◽

Sample Return Mission

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The effect of spacecraft descent engine plumes on spore transfer to planetary surfaces: Phoenix as a test case

International Journal of Astrobiology ◽

10.1017/s1473550411000188 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 335-340 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

J.R. Marshall ◽

R.L. Mancinelli

Keyword(s):

Atmospheric Pressure ◽

Laboratory Experiments ◽

Particle Impact ◽

Test Case ◽

Surrounding Area ◽

Planetary Protection ◽

Engine Thrust ◽

Exhaust Plumes ◽

Microbial Contaminants ◽

Different Parts

AbstractLaboratory experiments were conducted to determine the effect of descent-engine plumes on the scouring of surface (microbial) contaminants from a spacecraft. A simulated touchdown of a half-scale lander engine and deck configuration was conducted at Mars atmospheric pressure in the NASA Ames Planetary Aeolian Laboratory. Low-density particles were used for the soil simulant to emulate the lower Martian gravity. The underside of the model had small witness plates with controlled microbial surface populations and particle impact detectors. For both steady-state engine thrust (Viking) and pulsed engine thrust (Phoenix), the exhaust plumes from the engines violently excavated the soil and produced particle-laden eddies beneath the lander that sandblasted the lander underside. The result was nearly complete erosion of microbial contaminants from the spacecraft model with their subsequent deposition in the surrounding area. It is concluded that different planetary protection cleanliness levels for different parts of a spacecraft do not necessarily prevent soil contamination because these cleaning strategies evolved without consideration of the effects of the descent engine plumes.

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