Skip to main content

Currently Skimming:

Summary
Pages 1-5

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 1...
... Space missions of ever-increasing complexity have to grapple with cost caps. In response to a request from NASA, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine established the Committee to Review the Planetary Protection Policy Development Processes to examine the history of planetary protection policy, assess the current policy development process, and recommend actions to improve the policy development process in the future.
From page 2...
... Therefore, as a first step in preparing effectively for this new environment, the committee recommends that NASA, under the direction of the Office of the Administrator, should develop a planetary protection strategic plan that clearly addresses the agency's approach for the following:2 • Managing planetary protection policy implementation, • Securing relevant outside expert advice, • Developing a long-range forecast of future solar system exploration missions having planetary protection implications, • Setting planetary protection research and technology investment priorities, and • Identifying the agency's strategy for dealing with major policy issues such as sample return and human missions to Mars and private-sector solar system exploration missions. 1  COSPAR is a scientific organization established by the International Council for Science (ICSU)
From page 3...
... The chief of OSMA should complete the Science Mission Directorate's move toward instituting a formal method for imposing planetary protection requirements that are in accordance with standard NASA systems engineering practices.5 As part of the transition of the OPP to OSMA, NASA should evaluate the European Space Agency process for planetary protection implementation and strongly consider incorporating the elements of that process that are effective and appropriate.6 The development of planetary protection policy at NASA has benefited in the past from the input of an internal advisory committee; however, that process is no longer in use. The committee recommends that NASA reestablish an independent advisory body and process to help guide formulation and implementation of planetary protection adequate to serve the best interests of the public, the NASA program, and the variety of new entrants that may become active in deep space operations in the years ahead.
From page 4...
... , and the Office of Science and Technology Policy, should revisit NSC Memorandum 25 in light of NASA plans for Mars sample return missions and human-crewed missions to Mars and revise or replace its provisions for engaging relevant federal agencies in developing back-contamination protection policies.12 Sample return and human missions to Mars also create additional planetary protection challenges in two areas: early consultations between mission planners on issues relating to sample containment and back contamination, and the development of an international consensus as to appropriate planetary protection procedures for such missions. These challenges are addressed by the following three recommendations: • NASA's process for developing planetary protection policy for sample return missions should include early consultation with mission developers and managers, mission and receiving facility science teams, and microbiologists and include providing a means to use the best available biological and technological knowledge about back contamination and containment.13 • NASA's process for developing a human Mars exploration policy should include examination of alternative planetary protection scenarios and should have access to the necessary research that informs these alternatives.
From page 5...
... Therefore, the committee recommends that NASA ensure that its policy-development processes, including new mechanisms (e.g., a revitalized external advisory committee focused on planetary protection) make appropriate efforts to take into account the views of the private sector in the development of planetary protection policy.


This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More information on Chapter Skim is available.