Planetary Protection and Human Mars Exploration: Precursor and Analogue Studies

Paper number

IAC-05-A1.7.06

Author

Dr. John D. Rummel, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United States

Year

2005

Abstract

A long-range plan for the eventual human exploration of Mars, using the Moon as an interim destination, has been adopted by NASA and in ESA’s Aurora program.  Both of these long-range visions involve the use of robotic missions to conduct science and meet precursor requirements for human Mars missions.
If humans are ever to freely explore the surface and deep subsurface of Mars, improvements will have to be made in our understanding of that planet, as well as in the technologies and operational concepts that will be used.  Mars explorers will have to overcome numerous environmental and personal challenges in providing for safe and successful operations in that environment, but in particular, humans "invading" the planet will do well to recall the lessons of H.G. Wells’s, War of the Worlds.  The potential for Mars-sourced biological contamination must be addressed before humans can safely occupy the planet. For future human explorers, planetary protection considerations must be included in the requirements for surface-capability systems such as habitats, EVA/EHA systems, and exploration tools such as drill rigs, and for in situ resource utilization efforts.
Many, but not all, of the concerns about human-associated contamination can be addressed within the scope of human missions to the Moon and through the development of systems that may have dual use on both worlds.  A thorough examination of martian environments that may support Earth life—and perhaps already support their own—should be accomplished first by robotic explorers.  In addition, there are several ways to employ Earth-analogue studies to reduce uncertainties in planetary protection efforts for the exploration of Mars.

Abstract document

IAC-05-A1.7.06.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-05-A1.7.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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