PLANETARY PROTECTION

The White House - National Strategy for Planetary Protection

United Nations Treaties And Principles On Outer Space (ISBN 92-1-100900-6)

Convention On International Liability For Damage Caused By Space Objects

ICAMSR Founder and Executive Director Barry E. DiGregorio has written an article covering the history of planetary protection spanning the years 1959 to 2001 for the August issue of CHEMICAL INNOVATION magazine published by the American Chemical Society. The dilemma of Mars sample return, Chemical Innovation 2001, 31 (8), 24-33. Copyright © 2001 American Chemical Society. This article expresses the views of the author and not necessarily those of Chemical Innovation magazine or the American Chemical Society.

In June of 2001 the Committee on Planetary and Lunar Exploration, Space Studies Board of the National Research Council has placed online a new 132 page report entitled The Quarantine and Certification of Martian Samples which plainly states that NASA did not have and still does not have an adequate facility to examine Martian soil samples for extraterrestrial microorganisms. The report further states that a proper quarantine facility would have to be like no other on Earth and would take at least seven to ten years to build. However, this report does not address how the Martian soil samples would be delivered from Mars to Earth.

In August of 2001, the Planetary Society placed online an important series of opinions that originally appeared in their magazine: The Planetary Report. The opinions expressed came from NASA's Planetary Protection Officer, Dr. John Rummel, SETI biologist Margaret Race, and Dr. Kenneth H. Nealson, Director of the Center of Life Detection, NASA/JPL along with others regarding the Mars Sample Return mission and planetary protection.

Is a Mars Sample Return Mission too Risky? A Public Hearing Case Study by Troy D. Wood, Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, State University of New York. In this study is explained the background and arguments for and against Mars Sample Return.

COSPAR Planetary Protection Policy (20 October 2002) Accepted by the council and bureau, as moved for adoption byt SC F & PPP (Prepared by the COSPAR/IAU Workshop on Planetary Protection, 4/02 with updates 10/02)

SSB Project 2003 - Preventing the Forward Contamination of Mars
Have we contaminated Mars with robotic spacecraft already? This new study will try and attempt to provide new solutions for sending sterilized robotic vehicles to Mars.

A Draft Test Protocol for Detecting Possible Biohazards in Martian Samples Returned to Earth (NASA/CP 2002-211842).
NASA has prepared a draft protocol for the testing and evaluation of samples that may be returned from Mars by future missions in its Mars exploration program. This protocol is designed to provide a model method whereby such samples can be tested for possible biohazards that could be present if life exists on Mars. The protocol has been prepared as a draft to guide the development of both a final protocol to accomplish biohazard and life-detection testing, and to aid in the eventual design of the facility or facilities that will be required to accomplish that testing. Public comment on this draft protocol is sought to provide for refinement of the draft and to provide information for future NASA planning efforts.

Emerging Risk Assessment and Management Controversies in the Mars Sample Return presented to: 27th Annual Natural Hazards Research and Applications Workshop Boulder, CO, 14-17 July 2002.

Astroenvironmentalism: The Case for Space Exploration As An Environmental Issue
Well, this says it all.

Safe Passage: Astronaut Care for Exploration Missions
What dangers does Mars present to human explorers who may eventually venture there? Before a human mission to Mars can ever be attempted, we must make certain we have taken all necessary precautions.

An Analysis of the Precursor Measurements of Mars Needed to Reduce the Risk of the First Human Mission to Mars
An Analysis of the Precursor Measurements of Mars Needed to Reduce the Risk of the First Human Mission to Mars - A June 2, 2005 MEPAG report suggesting that NASA must take precautions to prevent the biological contamination of astronaut crews on Mars and returning it to the Earth.

Is Space Law Failing? Protecting Planets From Us. And Us From Them.
A revealing look at how planetary protection laws have been manipulated by space faring agencies and how they could impact life on Earth and Mars. By ICAMSR Director Barry E. DiGregorio for EARTH magazine published by the American Geological Instititute, AUGUST 2009 vol. 54, no.8.