Sample Return Capsules (SRCs) entering Earth’s atmosphere at hypervelocity from interplanetary space are a valuable resource for studying meteor phenomena.
Planetary Protection & Biosafety
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Comets and Asteroids, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Meteorites & Asteroids, Missions & Hardware, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Sample Return, Status Report
Asteroid Bennu: Properties Of The Sample Collected By OSIRIS-REx
On September 24, 2023, NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission dropped a capsule to Earth containing ~120 g of pristine carbonaceous regolith from Bennu. We describe the delivery and initial allocation of this asteroid […]
Posted inAstrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exploration Gear & Tech, Mars, Missions & Hardware, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Press Release, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, Tricorders & Sensors
Laser Upgrade For The ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Astrobiology Rover
After some time off the road, vehicles require proper maintenance checks. The ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover is no exception and got an upgrade to one of its electronic boxes in […]
Posted inAway Teams & Field Reports, Enceladus, Europa, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Mars, Missions & Hardware, Panspermia, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Policy, Reports, Roadmaps, & Plans, Status Report, Titan, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
The COSPAR Planetary Protection Policy for Missions to Icy Worlds: A Review of History, Current Scientific Knowledge, And Future Directions
Recent discoveries related to the habitability and astrobiological relevance of the outer Solar System have expanded our understanding of where and how life may have originated. As a result, the […]
Posted inAway Teams & Field Reports, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Microbiology & Virology, Microgravity, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Space Stations, Status Report
Astrobiology Away Team On The Outside Of The International Space Station (Update)
Two astronauts conduct a spacewalk outside of the International Space Station on Thursday 13 June 2024. The spacewalk is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. and last about six and […]
Posted inArtemis & Lunar Exploration, Astrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exploration Gear & Tech, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Missions & Hardware, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Sample Return, Status Report
Sample Return Contamination? Soluble Organic Compounds and Cyanide in Apollo 17 Lunar Samples: Origins and Curation Effects
We analyzed twelve Apollo 17 samples through the Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis (ANGSA) program to determine the abundances of a variety of compound classes, including amino acids, aldehydes, ketones, […]
Posted inAstrogeology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Mars, Missions & Hardware, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Press Release, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, Sample Return
NASA Is Exploring Alternative Mars Sample Return Methods
Over the last quarter century, NASA has engaged in a systematic effort to determine the early history of Mars and how it can help us understand the formation and evolution […]
Posted inMicrobiology & Virology, Missions & Hardware, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Policy, Reports, Roadmaps, & Plans, Status Report
Planetary Protection: Updates And Challenges For A Sustainable Space Exploration
Planetary protection enables scientific return from solar system bodies investigations and at the same time protects life on Earth.
Posted inAway Teams & Field Reports, Exploration Gear & Tech, Life Support Systems, Microbiology & Virology, Missions & Hardware, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors
EVA Swab Tool to Support Planetary Protection and Astrobiology Evaluations
When we send humans to search for life on other planets, we’ll need to know what we brought with us versus what may already be there.
Posted inMars, Missions & Hardware, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Reports, Roadmaps, & Plans, Sample Return, Status Report
Thresholds of Temperature and Time for Mars Sample Return: Final Report of the Mars Sample Return Temperature-Time Tiger Team
The Temperature-Time Tiger Team (T4) was chartered by NASA and ESA to evaluate the potential for degradation or alteration of the Mars Sample Return (MSR) samples if they are exposed […]