Mars Sample Return Strategic Approach to Backward Planetary Protection
Abstract
Returning samples from Mars requires a very low probability of inadvertent release of Mars material into the Earth's biosphere in order to provide protection against the very unlikely possibility of biological hazards in the returned material. Backward planetary protection includes breaking the chain of contact with Mars: any Mars material reaching Earth would have to be inside a robustly sealed sample container, and the integrity of the sample container would have to be maintained until delivered to a secure receiving facility on Earth. NASA's Mars 2020 mission has, as one of that its principal objectives, caching of carefully selected samples on the Mars surface for delivery to Earth by a future mission or missions. This presentation describes briefly the reference architecture that has been established for a Mars Sample Return campaign, based on a partnership between NASA and ESA, and focuses on its backward planetary protection strategy. Potential planetary protection challenges and approaches are discussed, including design concepts to meet expected constraints. These include securely packaging the sample tubes in a robust containment system and delivery to Earth in a robust Earth entry system. Key aspects of the long range implemenation plans are also discussed. The information presented about a potential MSR campaign is pre-decisional and is provided for planning and discussion purposes only.
- Publication:
-
43rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Held 28 January - 4 February
- Pub Date:
- January 2021
- Bibcode:
- 2021cosp...43E2251G