Mars Sample Return

The Space Studies Board of the National Research Council (NRC) serves as the primary adviser to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on planetary protection policy, the purpose of which is to preserve conditions for future biological and organic exploration of planets and other solar system objects and to protect Earth and its biosphere from potential extraterrestrial sources of contamination. In October 1995 the NRC received a letter from NASA requesting that the Space Studies Board examine and provide advice on planetary protection issues related to possible sample-return missions to near-Earth solar system bodies.Table of ContentsFRONT MATTEREXECUTIVE SUMMARY1 INTRODUCTION2 THE POSSIBILITY OF EXTANT LIFE ON MARS3 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MARTIAN METEORITES4 THE POTENTIAL FOR LARGE-SCALE EFFECTS5 SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS THAT COULD REDUCE UNCERTAINITY6 EVALUATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SAMPLES RETURNED FROM MARS7 THE SAMPLE-RECEIVING FACILITY8 PROGRAM OVERSIGHT9 TECHNOLOGY ISSUESREFERENCESAPPENDIX: LETTER OF REQUEST