The formulation and maintenance of policies for planetary protection are the responsibilities of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) panel on planetary protection. In an article published in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences, a group of international experts affiliated with COSPAR critically reviewed the panel’s role and its Planetary Protection Policy, focusing on recent considerations regarding the policy for the Moon, Venus, Mars, and small planetary bodies.
Dr. Athena Coustenis, Chair of the panel, along with Vice Chairs Niklas Hedman and Prof Peter Doran, explained the importance of this endeavor in an article on the Frontiers news site. They highlighted the potential consequences of not having proper planetary protection measures in place, such as contamination of extraterrestrial bodies with Earth-based organisms during deep-space exploration missions, and the risks associated with returning potentially hazardous samples to Earth.
They emphasized the need for an international policy to prevent biological and organic contamination of space missions and ensure that scientific exploration and discoveries are conducted responsibly. As space exploration involves various entities, including national space agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector companies, it is crucial to ensure that all missions adhere to the planetary protection policy and share relevant guidelines and requirements.
A Comprehensive Planetary Protection Policy
The drafting of such a policy to protect Earth from potential threats and preserve the search for life on other celestial bodies requires authority, expertise, and international collaboration. The COSPAR Planetary Protection Policy fulfills these needs.
The article, “Planetary Protection: an international concern and responsibility,” provides insights into how the COSPAR panel addresses these challenges. COSPAR, established in 1958, has been working since the 1960s to guide efforts in preventing contamination by extraterrestrial exploration.
Over the years, COSPAR has developed a Planetary Protection Policy as an international standard, aiming to protect against biological and organic contamination based on the United Nations Outer Space Treaty of 1967. The policy categorizes space missions based on their objectives, ranging from orbiting or fly-by missions to landing on celestial bodies and collecting samples. Each category has specific contamination control requirements. The policy is regularly updated to incorporate new scientific findings and align with advancements in space exploration.
The close collaboration between COSPAR and the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) ensures the effective implementation of the Planetary Protection Policy and facilitates scientific discussions on space-related issues.
An International Collaborative Effort
The COSPAR panel consists of 25 members representing 12 space agencies, experts from the scientific community, and ex-officio members. By organizing workshops, topical meetings, and sessions at scientific assemblies, the panel provides a platform for international information exchange and the continuous improvement of the policy. The panel welcomes the participation of scientists, industry representatives, interested parties, and observers during its meetings.
The global composition of the panel promotes discussions and collaborations with various stakeholders, including the private sector. This ensures a balanced and informed approach in making recommendations and overseeing the sustainable exploration of the solar system. Updates to the policy are communicated to the international space community through publications and presentations at international meetings.
The panel also encourages community input on space research and supports space stakeholders through co-sponsorship of studies, surveys, workshops, and conferences.
More information:
Athena Coustenis et al, Planetary protection: an international concern and responsibility, Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences (2023).
DOI: 10.3389/fspas.2023.1172546
Citation:
Scientists work to prevent interplanetary pollution that could pose a threat to life on Earth (2023, July 7)
retrieved 7 July 2023
from https://phys.org/news/2023-07-scientists-interplanetary-pollution-pose-threat.html
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