Planetary Protection

Planetary Protection | Rationale and Importance

Planetary Protection is the practice of protecting solar system bodies from contamination by Earth life and protecting Earth from from life forms that may be returned from other solar system bodies.  Planetary Protection is therefore concerned with biological interchange in the conduct of solar system exploration and use, which includes:

1. Possible effects of contamination of planets other than the Earth, and of planetary satellites within the solar system by terrestrial organisms;
2. Contamination of the Earth by materials returned from outer space carrying potential extraterrestrial organisms.

Major international efforts are dedicated to developing, maintaining and publishing important policies that indicate the implementation requirements necessary to manage the potentially harmful effects of contamination.  These policies are informed by current, peer-reviewed scientific knowledge, and based on the principle that planetary protection measures should enable the exploration and use of the solar system and not prohibit it.

• NASA’s Office of Planetary Protection promotes the responsible exploration of the solar system by implementing and developing efforts that protect the science, explored environments and Earth.” OSMA Website
• COSPAR planetary protection policies COSPAR Planetary Protection Panel