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Mars Sample Return Issues and Recommendations (1997) / Chapter Skim
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9 TECHNOLOGY ISSUES
Pages 37-40

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From page 37...
... Implementing these measures, while preserving the scientific utility of the returned samples and containing overall mission costs, will pose a number of technical challenges. Research and development will be required to advance the available technologies for sample containment, sample sterilization methods that preserve geochemical and other data, in-flight verification of containment, and in-flight sterilization.
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From page 38...
... Precautionary measures could include technologies used during the Viking missions, such as stringent cleaning with disinfectants and solvents, encapsulation of critical items with covers that can be removed on Mars, and general protection of sample pathways to isolate sample material from potentially contaminated surfaces. The 1992 Space Studies Board report Biological Contamination of Mars: Issues and Recommendations (SSB, 1992)
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From page 39...
... If in-flight sterilization of the returned sample becomes necessary and if heat is chosen as the means of effecting sterilization, it will be desirable to trap and contain the evolved gas products for subsequent analysis. ENSURING SAMPLE CONTAINMENT Canisters for returned samples must provide a physical barrier that prevents expulsion or migration of materials of martian origin, or materials exposed to the martian environment, outside of sealing points.
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From page 40...
... In an alternative approach, all spacecraft surfaces that could be exposed to the martian surface would be coated with a pyrotechnic material that would be ignited in space during the return trip to Earth in order to heat the surfaces and sterilize any attached martian material. As with any method, extensive validation and testing would be required.
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Key Terms

  • sample canister
  • returned samples
  • sample containment
  • forward contamination
  • technical challenges

  • martian surface
  • organic material
  • returned sample
  • sterilization procedures
  • terrestrial origin

  • precautionary measures
  • organic matter
  • ensuring maximum
  • appropriate sterilization
  • contamination protection

  • sterilization technologies
  • ensuring sample
  • provide contingency
  • containment integrity
  • physical barrier

  • avoid forward
  • viking missions
  • decontaminate exterior
  • potentially contaminated
  • candidate martian

  • available technologies
  • report biological
  • attached martian
  • heat sterilization
  • overall mission


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