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Mars Sample Handling Protocol Workshop Series: Workshop 4In preparation for missions to Mars that will involve the return of samples to Earth, it will be necessary to prepare for the receiving, handling, testing, distributing, and archiving of martian materials here on Earth. Previous groups and committees have studied selected aspects of sample return activities, but specific detailed protocols for the handling and testing of returned samples must still be developed. To further refine the requirements for sample hazard testing and to develop the criteria for subsequent release of sample materials from quarantine, the NASA Planetary Protection Officer convened a series of workshops in 2000-2001. The overall objective of the Workshop Series was to produce a Draft Protocol by which returned martian sample materials can be assessed for biological hazards and examined for evidence of life (extant or extinct) while safeguarding the purity of the samples from possible terrestrial contamination. This report also provides a record of the proceedings of Workshop 4, the final Workshop of the Series, which was held in Arlington, Virginia, June 5-7, 2001. During Workshop 4, the sub-groups were provided with a draft of the protocol compiled in May 2001 from the work done at prior Workshops in the Series. Then eight sub-groups were formed to discuss the following assigned topics: Review and Assess the Draft Protocol for Physical/Chemical Testing Review and Assess the Draft Protocol for Life Detection Testing Review and Assess the Draft Protocol for Biohazard Testing Environmental and Health/Monitoring and Safety Issues Requirements of the Draft Protocol for Facilities and Equipment Contingency Planning for Different Outcomes of the Draft Protocol Personnel Management Considerations in Implementation of the Draft Protocol Draft Protocol Implementation Process and Update Concepts This report provides the first complete presentation of the Draft Protocol for Mars Sample Handling to meet planetary protection needs. This Draft Protocol, which was compiled from deliberations and recommendations from earlier Workshops in the Series, represents a consensus that emerged from the discussions of all the sub-groups assembled over the course of the five Workshops of the Series. These discussions converged on a conceptual approach to sample handling, as well as on specific analytical requirements. Discussions also identified important issues requiring attention, as well as research and development needed for protocol implementation.
Document ID
20060022638
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Publication (CP)
Authors
Race Margaret S.
(Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Inst. United States)
DeVincenzi, Donald L.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Rummel, John D.
(NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Acevedo, Sara E.
(Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Inst. United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2001
Subject Category
Exobiology
Report/Patent Number
NASA/CP-2002-211841
Meeting Information
Meeting: Workshop 4 Proceedings
Location: Arlington, VA
Country: United States
Start Date: June 5, 2001
End Date: June 7, 2001
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: 896-50-02-01
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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