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Evaluating the Biological Potential in Samples Returned from Planetary Satellites and Small Solar System Bodies
Framework for Decision Making
Task Group on Sample Return from Small Solar System Bodies
Space Studies Board
Commission on Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Applications
National Research Council
NOTICE
MEMBERSHIP and REVIEWERS
FOREWORD and PREFACE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Scope and Approach of This Study
Current Understanding of Origins, Continuance, and Survival of Terrestrial Life Forms—A Synopsis
Early Earth as a Model for the Origins of Self-replicating Life Forms
Viability of Microorganisms
Factors That Influence the Survival of Metabolically Active Cells
Factors That Affect the Survival of Dormant Microorganisms
Questions Appropriate for Assessing the Biological Potential of Small Bodies
Content and Organization of This Report
References
Natural Influx to Earth
Processes of Delivery from Diverse Parent Bodies
Cross-Contamination
Summary
References
Origin, Composition, and Environmental Conditions of Satellites Examined
The Moon
The Satellites of Mars
The Galilean Satellites of Jupiter
Potential for a Living Entity to Be in or on Samples Returned from Planetary Satellites
Scientific Investigations to Reduce the Uncertainty in the Assessment of Planetary Satellites
Phobos and Deimos
Europa
Ganymede
Callisto
Summary
References
Undifferentiated, Primitive (C-Type) Asteroids
Undifferentiated, Metamorphosed Asteroids
Differentiated Asteroids
Potential for a Living Entity to Be in or on Samples Returned from Asteroids
Scientific Investigations to Reduce the Uncertainty in the Assessment of Asteroids
Summary
References
Origin
Place of Formation
Nebular Processes and Accretion
Gravitational Scattering
Early Heating and Melting
Composition
Physical Characteristics
Chemical Composition
Past and Present Environmental Conditions
Delivery of Samples to Earth
Potential for a Living Entity to Be in or on Samples Returned from Comets
Scientific Investigations to Reduce the Uncertainty in the Assessment of Comets
Summary
References
Natural Infall of Dust to Earth
Potential for a Living Entity to Be in or on Returned Samples of Cosmic Dust
Scientific Investigations to Reduce the Uncertainty in the Assessment of Cosmic Dust
Summary
References
Likelihood of Finding and Including a Living Organism in Samples from Different Solar System Bodies
Anticipating the Putative Nature of Life from Small Solar System Bodies
Concerns About Biohazards and Adverse Effects
Containment and Quarantine Facilities
Testing of Returned Samples
Summary
References
Assessment of Potential for a Living Entity to Be Present in or on Samples Returned from Small Solar System Bodies
Planetary Satellites
Asteroids
Comets
Cosmic Dust
Containment and Handling of Returned Samples
Scientific Investigations to Reduce Uncertainty
Reference
APPENDIXES
A. Biographical Sketches of Task Group Members
B. Letter of Request
C. Additional Perspectives on Contamination from Space
D. Planetary Protection Policy—NASA and COSPAR
E. Glossary
National Academy Press, 1998
Last update 9/22/00 at 4:02 pm
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