The search for both extant and extinct life within our Solar System and beyond has been a primary motivation for space exploration since its inception.
Outer Space Treaty of 1967
Posted inAway Teams & Field Reports, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Mars, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Sample Return, Space Physiology & Medicine, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors
Utilizing Martian Samples For Future Planetary Exploration: Characterizing Hazards And Resources
One of the most surprising and important findings of the first human landings on the Moon was the discovery of a very fine layer of lunar dust covering the entire […]
Posted inMissions & Hardware, Panspermia, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Sample Return, Status Report
NASA Policy Directive: NPD 8020.7G Biological Contamination Control for Outbound and Inbound Planetary Spacecraft
NPD 8020.7GEffective Date: February 19, 1999Expiration Date: February 19, 2018 Subject: Biological Contamination Control for Outbound and Inbound PlanetarySpacecraft (Revalidated 05/17/13 w/change 1)
Posted inMissions & Hardware, Panspermia, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Policy, Sample Return, Status Report
NASA Policy Instruction NASA Policy on Planetary Protection Requirements for Human Extraterrestrial Missions – NPI 8020.7 – NPD 8020.7G
In May 2012, the Planetary Protection Subcommittee of the NASA Advisory Council (NAC) Science Committee formulated a recommendation that NASA Procedural Requirements (NPR) be developed for planetary protection on human […]
Posted inMissions & Hardware, Panspermia, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Policy, Sample Return, Status Report
NASA Policy Directive: NPD 8020.7E Biological Contamination Control for Outbound and Inbound Planetary Spacecraft
POLICY DIRECTIVEDirective: NPD 8020.7EEffective Date: February 19, 1999Expiration Date: February 19, 2004Responsible Office: S /Office of Space Science