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Here we examine the field of planetary defense, which involves preventing Earth-born organisms from contaminating other worlds or interfering with scientific analysis on those worlds, and preventing contamination from returned samples to Earth. To investigate this, we present 2023 paper Inside Acta Astronautica With additional insights from the study’s lead author, Dr. Athena KoostenisServes as Chairman of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). Read about planetary protection.
The article discusses the importance of planetary defense in relation to space exploration, „Planetary defense enables the scientific return of solar system bodies from exploration and at the same time protects life on Earth. As we continue to explore our solar system by landing machines and humans on other planets, we are exposing objects dangerous to Earth. Make sure nothing is brought home or taken from Earth that could contaminate another planetary body and hinder scientific exploration.
It discusses in detail the COSPAR PPP and its primary goals, advising or guiding government or private spaceflight agencies and ensuring that extraterrestrial samples returned from space do not contaminate Earth and particularly its biosphere. In addition, the article discusses recent policy actions taken by the PPP for continued exploration of the Moon, Mars, and the icy moons Europa, Enceladus, and Titan.
For the Moon, the PPP recommended measures to be taken to prevent contamination in the permanently shadowed regions of the Moon, which are hypothesized to contain large amounts of water ice and are of significant interest to future Artemis missions. For Mars, the PPP focused on securing advanced science efforts, including drilling, older regions of Mars that have yet to be explored, and sample return missions.
The PPP has already expressed concerns about exploring these worlds with the Planetary Protection of the Outer Solar System (PPOOS), led and funded by the European Science Foundation, for icy moons that the paper refers to as „potential habitable environments”. European Commission and is in the process of seeking additional insights in the future. So, as these intriguing worlds are considered for exploration, what can planetary conservation teach us about finding life beyond Earth?
Dr Koostenis says Universe Today, “Finding ways to protect scientific research in our solar system during space exploration is essential to protecting our own biosphere and life on Earth. Working toward that end with a large team of scientists, agency representatives, and other expert stakeholders has been one of the most rewarding activities of my career. A valuable outcome representing thorough, long-term studies and reviews of knowledge is achieved through consensus and distributed to the larger community. We are very pleased to provide such a service to the community through the COSPAR Group on Planetary Protection.
In addition to serving as Chairman of COSPAR PPP, Dr. Coustenis has extensive research experience with planetary surfaces and atmospheres, particularly outer solar system objects such as Europa, Ganymede, Titan and Enceladus, as these worlds are targets for future astronomical research. Additionally, Dr. Koustenis’s research extended beyond the Solar System, as he helped distinguish and classify the outer atmospheres. Regarding planetary protection, some notable publications include co-authorship March 2024 paper Discussing planetary security for future team Mars missions and a 2023 paper Discusses COSPAR requirements for exploring Venus. Given his knowledge and experience in planetary protection, Dr. What are some exciting aspects of planetary protection that Koostenis has encountered during his career?
Dr Koostenis says Universe Today„We have recently worked on lunar exploration needs to protect the poles and regions where liquid water has been found for some time, and we are currently working on missions to explore icy worlds like the moons of our giant planets. Beneath their surfaces are liquid water oceans and sources of organic chemistry and energy. These are habitable environments.” Maybe, we should examine them carefully.”
As mentioned in Acta Astronautica paper, the field of planetary defense requires international cooperation not only from many scientists but also from engineers, as they are the people responsible for building the spacecraft that will be sent to distant worlds for scientific study. Other fields contributing to planetary protection include geology, physics, geophysics, biotechnology, astrophysics, biomedicine, and planetary science. Through the continuous collaboration of scientists, engineers and medical experts, planetary protection has successfully prevented contamination from extraterrestrial bodies, but also from contamination of Earth from returned samples. Therefore, for prospective students who wish to pursue a career in planetary protection, Dr. What advice can Koostenis offer?
Dr Koostenis says Universe Today, “Planetary security offers an opportunity for contributions from various fields of science, engineering, economics or law. We need all of these diverse perspectives to accomplish adequate characterization of spaceflight and related needs, establish the true value of planetary protection, improve the capabilities of this tool, and spread the word about what we are doing and how others can do it. Especially the younger generation contributes. Therefore, we encourage students and early space enthusiasts to join COSPAR and learn more about our work and other commissions and panels within its framework so that they can position themselves and engage with the space community.
What will planetary conservation teach us about our place in the universe in the coming years and decades? Only time will tell, this is what science is all about!
As always, keep doing the science & look up!