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Category V Compliant Container for Mars Sample Return MissionsA novel containerization technique that satisfies Planetary Protection (PP) Category V requirements has been developed and demonstrated on the mock-up of the Mars Sample Return Container. The proposed approach uses explosive welding with a sacrificial layer and cut-through-the-seam techniques. The technology produces a container that is free from Martian contaminants on an atomic level. The containerization technique can be used on any celestial body that may support life. A major advantage of the proposed technology is the possibility of very fast (less than an hour) verification of both containment and cleanliness with typical metallurgical laboratory equipment. No separate biological verification is required. In addition to Category V requirements, the proposed container presents a surface that is clean from any, even nonviable organisms, and any molecular fragments of biological origin that are unique to Mars or any other celestial body other than Earth.
Document ID
20040086772
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Dolgin, Benjamin
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Sanok, Joseph
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Sevilla, Donald
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Bement, Laurence J.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2000
Subject Category
Exobiology
Report/Patent Number
SAE-001CES-131
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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