A new report calls for NASA to update its rules regarding planetary protection—specifically, the spread of viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms to other planets during space exploration.
The review, published by the agency’s Planetary Protection Independent Review Board (PPIRB), highlights outdated policies mostly conceived at the beginning of human spaceflight.
“With the advent of private sector robotic and human planetary missions, as well as new ultra-low cost planetary missions, the context in which PP is conducted is profoundly and rapidly changing,” PPIRB said.
Remember when the SpaceIL craft Beresheet crashed into the Moon, potentially scattering thousands of tardigrades earlier this year?
Sure, the micro-animals known as water bears are unlikely to do any harm (if they even survived). But that’s just one example of potential contamination if humans carry other forms of life to off-world locations.
“This report represents an important step forward in a very complex area,” Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, wrote in an official response.
The agency welcomes PPIRB’s analysis, conducted between late June and late September 2019.
“In light of the current pace of change, and the likelihood that it will accelerate in the future, NASA agrees that planetary protection policies need to be updated regularly and expeditiously to be effective,” Zurbuchen said.
Moving forward, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration plans to begin a dialogue about PPIRB’s recommendations—several of which will require interagency and international coordination.
“This is a first step, and there is much important work left to do,” according to Zurbuchen. “Our intent is always to encourage exploration and to be responsible stewards of the amazing places we have the opportunity to visit and to do the very best science while also protecting our home planet.”
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