Abstract
We highlight the role of COSPAR and the scientific community in defining
and updating the framework of planetary protection. Specifically, we
focus on Mars “Special Regions,” areas where strict planetary protection
measures have to be applied before a spacecraft can explore them, given
the existence of environmental conditions that may be conducive to
terrestrial microbial growth. We outline the history of the concept of
Special Regions and inform on recent developments regarding the COSPAR
policy, namely, the MEPAG SR-SAG2 review and the Academies and ESF joint
committee report on Mars Special Regions. We present some new issues
that necessitate the update of the current policy and provide
suggestions for new definitions of Special Regions. We conclude with the
current major scientific questions that remain unanswered regarding
Mars Special Regions.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 119-125 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Astrobiology |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 2 |
Early online date | 5 Feb 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 16 Feb 2016 |
Keywords
- COSPAR policy
- Mars special regions
- Planetary protection