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Planetary Protection Considerations for JIMOEuropa is the only body in the solar system besides Mars that is currently viewed as a body of significant interest relative to the process of chemical evolution and/or the origin of life or for which scientific opinion provides a significant chance of contamination which could jeopardize a future biological experiment. Thus, both NASA and COSPAR policy require that Europa be protected from biological contamination that could result from scientific exploration conducted by robotic spacecraft. In 2000, the Task Group on the Forward Contamination of Europa (Space Studies Board) published its report on Preventing the Forward Contamination of Europa recommending a limit of 10(exp -4) probability of contamination of Europa's ocean per mission (at any time in the future) by a single viable terrestrial microbe. While NASA guidelines do not yet explicitly reflect this new recommendation, it is likely that the SSB recommendation will be adopted by NASA planetary protection in the form of a sterility requirement or at least a stringent total microbial burden requirement. In our presentation, we will present an overview of the anticipated planetary protection requirements for both orbiters and landers destined for Europa and some of the challenges these requirements will present.
Document ID
20030066066
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Koukol, R. C.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2003
Publication Information
Publication: Forum on Concepts and Approaches for Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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