Scientific issues regarding the release of extraterrestrial materials collected by spaceflight missions

Abstract

Current planetary protection policy is intended to preserve opportunities for the study of life and organic chemical evolution on other solar system bodies, and to avoid “harmful contamination” of those bodies and the Earth. It is important to view the return to Earth of extraterrestrial samples by spaceflight missions both in the context of the natural interchange of planetary materials, and while weighing the potential for harmful contamination to occur if those materials are introduced onto the Earth. A number of potential sample-return issues bear examination, though they vary in their plausibility. These issues and associated concerns may also be addressed by data that can be gathered before, during, and after a sample-return mission.