The Future of Planetary Protection: Is There Reason For Optimism?
- Paper number
IAC-06-E6.5.04
- Author
Dr. Leslie I. Tennen, Law Offices of Sterns and Tennen, United States
- Coauthor
Mrs. Patricia Sterns, Law Offices of Sterns and Tennen, United States
- Year
2006
- Abstract
The search for extraterrestrial life has been a primary focus for interplanetary spacecraft. The integrity of scientific investigations for evidence of indigenous life is dependent upon the presence of a pristine extraterrestrial environment, free from Earth-based organic contaminants carried by the very spacecraft sent to conduct exploratory missions. Policies to protect planetary environments have been adopted by the international scientific and legal communities, however, the policies are not static, and can never be assumed to be adequate to the task. Recent discoveries that water may be more plentiful in the solar system than previously envisioned underscores the need for regular review and re-evaluation of the effectiveness of planetary protection policies. This paper examines recent developments in the evolution of planetary protection, and questions whether there is reason for optimism.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-E6.5.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.