Mars sample return and planetary protection in a public context

Abstract

In order to minimize problems and prepare for possible challenges to Mars sample return missions, it is important to recognize the complexity of planetary protection requirements and integrate them early in the planning process together with economic, technical, scientific and other considerations. Of special concern are two particular non-scientific problem areas: 1) legal ambiguities and requirements, and 2) risk perceptions and attitudes about sample return, both of which have the potential to impact mission success in unpredictable ways. A cursory review of relevant laws and legal issues combined with research findings about risk perceptions, have highlighted these problem areas in the decision making process ahead. It is likely that challenges or opposition will center around pre-launch decision making and subsequent Earth based sample handling rather than space operations per se. Ultimately, overall mission success may depend on understanding how the technical and scientific implications of planetary protection interact with legitimate legal and societal issues related to activities both in space and on Earth.