For more than four decades, planetary protection policy based on the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 h... more For more than four decades, planetary protection policy based on the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 has guided space missions in avoiding harmful cross-contamination during exploration. Throughout this time, the main emphasis of the policy has been based on protecting science and avoiding biological contamination. In light of new knowledge about planetary bodies and the diversity and capabilities of terrestrial microorganisms in extreme environments, as well as increased interest in human exploration activities beyond Earth orbit, it is appropriate to con-sider the ethical and policy implications of this approach. In June 2010, a workshop was held at Princeton, New Jersey, to focus on those implications, and to formulate recommendations for the space-faring nations of the world relating to concrete measures that might be undertaken to conduct space science studies and exploration within a sustainable framework that considers additional ethical perspectives as well as science protection. The workshop considered both current planetary protection policy (COSPAR, etc.) and the implications of protecting plan-ets beyond purely scientific considerations, especially in light of possible human missions of exploration. This talk provides a summary of the workshop discussions and results.
ABSTRACT Planetary Protection PP requirements will strongly influence mission and spacecraft desi... more ABSTRACT Planetary Protection PP requirements will strongly influence mission and spacecraft designs for future human missions to Mars particularly those related to the operation of advanced life support systems ALS extravehicular activities EVA laboratory and in situ sampling operations and systems for environmental monitoring and control EMC In order to initiate communication understanding and working relations between the ALS EVA EMC and PP communities in both NASA and ESA two separate workshops were held to focus on mission-specific PP issues during future human missions to Mars The NASA Life Support and Habitation and Planetary Protection Workshop was held in Houston TX Center for Advanced Space Studies April 2005 and The Mars PP and Human Systems Research and Technology Joint NASA ESA Workshop was held at ESA ESTEC Noordwijk Netherlands May 2005 This poster presentation summarizes the findings of both workshops and their associated recommendations which are summarized as follows The NASA workshop developed a tentative conceptual approach consistent with current PP requirements to provide preliminary guidance in the assessment of EVA ALS EMC and other aspects of human missions The workshop report identified the need for development of a comprehensive classification and zoning system for Mars to minimize contamination and guide operations particularly in relation to COSPAR Special Region and protection of science and environmental conditions Critical research and technology
Recent Planetary Protection (PP) workshops have identified science, life support and environmenta... more Recent Planetary Protection (PP) workshops have identified science, life support and environmental areas that have critical implications for robotic and human missions to Mars. Future mission planning must incorporate PP considerations from the earliest design stages to ensure mission success.
ABSTRACT Returned martian samples would be handled and tested in a facility that integrates stric... more ABSTRACT Returned martian samples would be handled and tested in a facility that integrates strict biocontainment with suitable physical conditions to ensure scientific integrity. The ultimate science analyses and their sequencing would be guided by a final Protocol which will be refined by a multidisciplinary team of scientists in the coming years. While proper sample handling and coordination of scientific tests is critical for maximizing the value of returned materials so too is attention to public communication about the science findings and planetary protection. Among the science issues that warrant special consideration are environmental compliance and monitoring; emergency preparedness and response plans; criteria and decision-making associated with any release of samples from containment; and the scientific and societal implications of a discovery of life. As scientists consider what may be learned from returned samples, they should be mindful that the deliberations would involve real-time interpretations and communication about scientific processes and the meanings of science 'findings' in full view of the public.
Concepts and Approaches for Mars Exploration, Jun 1, 2012
ABSTRACT Incorporating planetary protection into human missions, as supported by NASA Policy Dire... more ABSTRACT Incorporating planetary protection into human missions, as supported by NASA Policy Directive NPD 8020.7G, is essential to preventing the forward contamination of Mars, ensuring astronaut health, and preventing backward contamination of Earth.
ABSTRACT NASA will someday need to design and construct a sample receiving facility (SRF) in prep... more ABSTRACT NASA will someday need to design and construct a sample receiving facility (SRF) in preparation for handling and testing extraterrestrial materials returned to Earth by spacecraft returning from Mars. Because the core design elements of an SRF will include a high level biocontainment lab, it is possible that many questions about risks will arise during the public review process, regardless where it is eventually built. This paper summarizes recent research on relevant experiences during the construction of multiple high-level biocontainment labs, and discusses the types of issues and concerns likely to arise in the context of a future SRF, including planetary protection requirements, uncertainty about extraterrestrial biohazards, and the mandatory public review process. Among the key lessons learned from earlier research are the importance of developing trust, maintaining transparency about information, complying with all procedural requirements for public review of the project, implementing comprehensive pro-active risk communication at the earliest stages of the project, and continuing open communications even after operations begin at the SRF. While science and technology will be central to any future sample return mission, NASA and its international partners must acknowledge the likelihood of intense public interest and concerns about how samples will be contained, handled and tested. Addressing these issues from the start will be an essential part of mission planning, and an important element for building public support for the mission. It also provides an unusual opportunity for education and outreach by sharing information on behind-the-scenes deliberations and real-time observations of the science involved with sample analysis.
For more than four decades, planetary protection policy based on the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 h... more For more than four decades, planetary protection policy based on the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 has guided space missions in avoiding harmful cross-contamination during exploration. Throughout this time, the main emphasis of the policy has been based on protecting science and avoiding biological contamination. In light of new knowledge about planetary bodies and the diversity and capabilities of terrestrial microorganisms in extreme environments, as well as increased interest in human exploration activities beyond Earth orbit, it is appropriate to con-sider the ethical and policy implications of this approach. In June 2010, a workshop was held at Princeton, New Jersey, to focus on those implications, and to formulate recommendations for the space-faring nations of the world relating to concrete measures that might be undertaken to conduct space science studies and exploration within a sustainable framework that considers additional ethical perspectives as well as science protection. The workshop considered both current planetary protection policy (COSPAR, etc.) and the implications of protecting plan-ets beyond purely scientific considerations, especially in light of possible human missions of exploration. This talk provides a summary of the workshop discussions and results.
ABSTRACT Planetary Protection PP requirements will strongly influence mission and spacecraft desi... more ABSTRACT Planetary Protection PP requirements will strongly influence mission and spacecraft designs for future human missions to Mars particularly those related to the operation of advanced life support systems ALS extravehicular activities EVA laboratory and in situ sampling operations and systems for environmental monitoring and control EMC In order to initiate communication understanding and working relations between the ALS EVA EMC and PP communities in both NASA and ESA two separate workshops were held to focus on mission-specific PP issues during future human missions to Mars The NASA Life Support and Habitation and Planetary Protection Workshop was held in Houston TX Center for Advanced Space Studies April 2005 and The Mars PP and Human Systems Research and Technology Joint NASA ESA Workshop was held at ESA ESTEC Noordwijk Netherlands May 2005 This poster presentation summarizes the findings of both workshops and their associated recommendations which are summarized as follows The NASA workshop developed a tentative conceptual approach consistent with current PP requirements to provide preliminary guidance in the assessment of EVA ALS EMC and other aspects of human missions The workshop report identified the need for development of a comprehensive classification and zoning system for Mars to minimize contamination and guide operations particularly in relation to COSPAR Special Region and protection of science and environmental conditions Critical research and technology
Recent Planetary Protection (PP) workshops have identified science, life support and environmenta... more Recent Planetary Protection (PP) workshops have identified science, life support and environmental areas that have critical implications for robotic and human missions to Mars. Future mission planning must incorporate PP considerations from the earliest design stages to ensure mission success.
ABSTRACT Returned martian samples would be handled and tested in a facility that integrates stric... more ABSTRACT Returned martian samples would be handled and tested in a facility that integrates strict biocontainment with suitable physical conditions to ensure scientific integrity. The ultimate science analyses and their sequencing would be guided by a final Protocol which will be refined by a multidisciplinary team of scientists in the coming years. While proper sample handling and coordination of scientific tests is critical for maximizing the value of returned materials so too is attention to public communication about the science findings and planetary protection. Among the science issues that warrant special consideration are environmental compliance and monitoring; emergency preparedness and response plans; criteria and decision-making associated with any release of samples from containment; and the scientific and societal implications of a discovery of life. As scientists consider what may be learned from returned samples, they should be mindful that the deliberations would involve real-time interpretations and communication about scientific processes and the meanings of science 'findings' in full view of the public.
Concepts and Approaches for Mars Exploration, Jun 1, 2012
ABSTRACT Incorporating planetary protection into human missions, as supported by NASA Policy Dire... more ABSTRACT Incorporating planetary protection into human missions, as supported by NASA Policy Directive NPD 8020.7G, is essential to preventing the forward contamination of Mars, ensuring astronaut health, and preventing backward contamination of Earth.
ABSTRACT NASA will someday need to design and construct a sample receiving facility (SRF) in prep... more ABSTRACT NASA will someday need to design and construct a sample receiving facility (SRF) in preparation for handling and testing extraterrestrial materials returned to Earth by spacecraft returning from Mars. Because the core design elements of an SRF will include a high level biocontainment lab, it is possible that many questions about risks will arise during the public review process, regardless where it is eventually built. This paper summarizes recent research on relevant experiences during the construction of multiple high-level biocontainment labs, and discusses the types of issues and concerns likely to arise in the context of a future SRF, including planetary protection requirements, uncertainty about extraterrestrial biohazards, and the mandatory public review process. Among the key lessons learned from earlier research are the importance of developing trust, maintaining transparency about information, complying with all procedural requirements for public review of the project, implementing comprehensive pro-active risk communication at the earliest stages of the project, and continuing open communications even after operations begin at the SRF. While science and technology will be central to any future sample return mission, NASA and its international partners must acknowledge the likelihood of intense public interest and concerns about how samples will be contained, handled and tested. Addressing these issues from the start will be an essential part of mission planning, and an important element for building public support for the mission. It also provides an unusual opportunity for education and outreach by sharing information on behind-the-scenes deliberations and real-time observations of the science involved with sample analysis.
Uploads
Papers by Margaret Race