Planning for future containmenht, handling and testing of returned martian samples
Abstract
According to the Draft Test Protocol for Detecting Possible Biohazards in Martian Samples Returned to Earth, a rigorous battery of physical/chemical tests, life detection analyses, and biohazard tests will be done under strict containment prior to any distribution of unsterilized materials to the scientific community. While the design and construction of an appropriate sample receiving facility (SRF) will be dependent on future mission plans, discussions have already begun about the types of technical developments and advance research that will likely be needed to meet planetary protection requirements. The main challenges ahead center around the integration of maximum biocontainment and strict cleanliness conditions to ensure both biosafety and the preservation of the samples' scientific integrity, while handling the small amounts of pristine materials expected to be returned. Because details about facility designs and operational plans are sure to be scrutinized by the public, from the earliest phases it will be important to communicate openly about those plans, any potential risks, and mitigation options in order to develop understanding and support for the facility. Based on experiences at other maximum biocontainment facilities, public risk communication will be an important undertaking in the overall process of designing, constructing and operating the ultimate sample receiving facility, wherever it may be located.
- Publication:
-
35th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004cosp...35.3635R