Detecting Life in Returned Mars Samples: updating the Draft Test Protocol

Paper number

IAC-13,A5,3-B3.6,5,x18562

Author

Dr. Catharine Conley, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United States

Coauthor

Mr. Gerhard Kminek, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands

Coauthor

Prof. John D. Rummel, East Carolina University, United States

Year

2013

Abstract

Understanding how to detect life in extraterrestrial samples is a key aspect of planetary protection, both to protect the Earth when material is returned and to determine the level of protection appropriate for astronauts visiting the source object.  Establishment of a comprehensive life-detection protocol is a necessary precursor to robotic sample-return missions from Mars, which are also desirable as a precursor to human exploration.  Experience from previous efforts to detect life in extraterrestrial samples, both the Apollo program and the Viking missions, provide useful lessons-learned regarding how to improve life detection protocols.  The 2002 Draft Test Protocol for Detecting Possible Biohazards in Martian Samples Returned to Earth [1] was developed to support international Mars Sample Return efforts, and is currently being updated jointly by NASA and ESA in support of their planetary protection policies [2, 3].  Life detection measurements are relevant both scientific and planetary protection interests; however, the need to demonstrate adequate confidence in the safety of samples prior to release from containment, specifically for planetary protection purposes, will drive regulatory decisions.

Ref.
[1] Rummel, J.D et al., eds. A Draft Test Protocol for Detecting Possible Biohazards in Martian Samples Returned to Earth. NASA/CP-2002-211842, 2002.
[2] National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Biological contamination control for outbound and inbound planetary spacecraft, NPD 8020.7G, Washington, DC, 2008.
[3] European Space Agency, ESA planetary protection requirements, ESSB-ST-U-001, Noordwijk, 2012.

Abstract document

IAC-13,A5,3-B3.6,5,x18562.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-13,A5,3-B3.6,5,x18562.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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