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Mars sample return campaign: biological risk and a proposed sample safety assessment protocol
G McDonnell1, B L Teece2,3, R Mackelprang4
1Johnson & Johnson, Raritan, New Jersey, USA.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Returning Mars samples to Earth is a major goal for planetary science. A new protocol assesses potential biohazards in these samples to ensure safety before release from containment.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Astrobiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Returning Martian surface samples to Earth is a key objective in planetary science.
- Such samples hold potential for discovering extraterrestrial life and advancing our understanding of life's origins.
- Assessing potential biohazards is critical for safe sample return missions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a robust protocol for assessing biological hazards in returned Mars samples.
- To define biological hazards and establish criteria for sample release from containment.
- To provide the biological context for a three-step sample testing protocol.
Main Methods:
- Assembling an expert team to optimize safety assessment strategies.
- Defining criteria for biological hazards.
- Developing a testing protocol and statistical framework for sample safety.
- Establishing methods to detect microorganisms and assess their viability.
Main Results:
- A proposed three-step protocol for testing returned samples is presented.
- The protocol includes methods for determining the presence and viability of microorganisms.
- A statistical framework is outlined for safe sample release decisions.
Conclusions:
- The developed protocol aims to ensure the safety of Earth's biosphere from potential Martian biohazards.
- This framework supports the safe return and analysis of extraterrestrial samples.
- The research facilitates future Mars sample return missions by addressing critical safety concerns.
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