Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Jul 2000
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000came.work..238n&link_type=abstract
Concepts and Approaches for Mars Exploration, p. 238
Mathematics
Logic
Mars (Planet), Mars Surface Samples, Mars Sample Return Missions, Extraterrestrial Life, Preserving, Contamination, Mission Planning, Core Sampling, Planetary Geology, Sterilization
Scientific paper
As part of an integrated approach to planetary exploration, samples will ultimately be returned from Mars to Earth for analysis. This will be the next logical step in our exploration of the red planet as we strive to learn more about its evolution and investigate the possible occurrence of life on Mars. NASA's Curation and Analysis Planning Team for Extraterrestrial Materials (CAPTEM) has been studying the preservation issues for returning geological samples from Mars. The overriding goal of these studies has been the preservation of pristine Martian signatures in the returned samples, thus maximizing the scientific value of such missions. Preventing contamination/alteration is particularly critical for chemical, biological, and morphological signatures that are indicative of life, either extinct of extant. Such prevention is required for the short term during collection, transport, and re-entry and impact on Earth, as well as for long term curation. In this presentation, we discuss contamination issues within the framework of an Athena-like sampling mission; however, the concepts may be extrapolated to other plausible sampling scenarios. Issues encompassing preservation from the successful collection, to return to Earth, and curation of martian samples are discussed within this framework. We build upon earlier reports, and complement the recent Mars Sample Handling and Requirements Panel (MSHARP) report by concentrating on the samples themselves. Below is a summary of recommendations made by CAPTEM that will maximize the scientific value of any returned Martian samples. These recommendations are made, for the most part, with consideration of the stringent budgetary constraints that will be part of any sample return mission to Mars. The governing principle behind this study is that any procedure or piece of equipment that can impact (contaminate) the Mars samples during collection, transportation, or curation needs to be fully evaluated through analysis and experimentation prior to implementation by a scientific committee, that has expertise in extraterrestrial sample analysis, curation, and preservation.
Jolliff Brad L.
MacPherson Glen
Neal Chris R.
Papike James J.
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