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Refinement of planetary protection policy for Mars missions
D L DeVincenzi1, P Stabekis, J Barengoltz
1Ames Research Center, NASA, Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000, USA.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Planetary protection policies for Mars missions are proposed to be updated. New categories will differentiate sterilization requirements based on whether missions carry life detection instruments, ensuring tailored contamination controls.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Astrobiology
- Space Policy
Background:
- Current COSPAR policy designates Mars missions as Category IV, involving extensive planetary protection measures.
- A 1992 NRC study recommended mission-specific controls for forward contamination of Mars.
- Existing policies may not adequately differentiate risks based on mission objectives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose revised planetary protection categories for Mars missions.
- To align policies with recommendations for mission-specific contamination controls.
- To differentiate requirements based on the presence of life detection instruments.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing existing COSPAR policy (Category IV).
- Incorporating recommendations from a 1992 U.S. National Research Council study.
- Proposing a division of Category IV into sub-categories IVa and IVb.
Main Results:
- Proposed Category IVa for missions without life detection, requiring bioburden limits.
- Proposed Category IVb for missions with life detection, mandating sterilization.
- Expanded Category III orbiter specifications for consistency.
Conclusions:
- Revised categories provide a more nuanced approach to Mars planetary protection.
- The proposed structure better addresses forward contamination risks.
- Updated policies will enhance the scientific integrity of Mars exploration.
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