Planetary protection issues for sample return missions.

D L DeVincenzi; H P Klein

doi:10.1016/0273-1177(89)90231-7

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Planetary protection issues for sample return missions.

D L DeVincenzi·H P Klein

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Abstract

Sample return missions from a comet nucleus and the Mars surface are currently under study in the US, USSR, and by ESA. Guidance on Planetary Protection (PP) issues is needed by mission scientists and engineers for incorporation into various elements of mission design studies. Although COSPAR has promulgated international policy on PP for various classes of solar system exploration missions, the applicability of this policy to sample return missions, in particular, remains vague. In this paper, we propose a set of implementing procedures to maintain the scientific integrity of these samples. We also propose that these same procedures will automatically assure that COSPAR-derived PP guidelines are achieved. The recommendations discussed here are the first step toward development of official COSPAR implementation requirements for sample return missions.

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Containment of Biohazards Earth, Planet Environmental Pollution Exobiology Extraterrestrial Environment Mars Meteoroids Planets Public Policy Risk Assessment Solar System Space Flight NASA Center ARC NASA Discipline Exobiology NASA Discipline Number 59-10 NASA Program Exobiology Non-NASA Center Journal Article

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D L DeVincenzi, H P Klein. 1989. Planetary protection issues for sample return missions.. https://doi.org/10.1016/0273-1177(89)90231-7

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