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Planetary Quarantine and Its Challenge to Materials Reliability
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English
Abstract
Microbiologists are concerned that uncontrolled planetary exploration may contaminate the planets with terrestrial microorganisms. Should this happen, we would never know if our Earth is really unique in the Solar System. Such contamination could happen through carelessness or by accident. To avoid such an occurrence, world scientists agreed to keep the environment of the planet Mars inviolate through 1984 -- to achieve a contamination probability of 10−3 or less.
The challenge facing the materials engineer in the manufacture of space vehicles where both particulate cleanliness and biological contamination must be rigidly controlled will be discussed. A brief review of the techniques of sterilization will also be presented. Some of the problems which must be considered because of the sterilization requirements are discussed. Thermal and chemical environments which will be required place a new burden, and an entirely new reliability history must be obtained.
A new technology encompassing microbiology and engineering is developing. The potential benefit of a controlled space exploration program is great. The losses are even greater. The challenge is here -- are you equipped to meet it?
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Citation
Kozoriz, E., "Planetary Quarantine and Its Challenge to Materials Reliability," SAE Technical Paper 670651, 1967, https://doi.org/10.4271/670651.Also In
References
- NASA Management Manual September 9 1963
- Federal Standard 209 Clean Room and Work Station Requirements, Controlled Environment December 16 1963
- Standard Procedures for the Microbiological Examination of Space Hardware, NASA June 1 1966
- Vesley, D. “Survey of Microbiological Techniques for Recovery from Surfaces.” Presented at Spacecraft Sterilization Technology Pasedena, Calif. Nov. 16-18
- Bartholomew, C.S. Porter, D.C. “Reliability and Sterilization.” Presented at AIAA/AAS Stepping Stones to Mars Meeting Baltimore, Md. March 28-30 1966
- Visser, J. “Current Results of the Electronic Part Sterilization Program.” J. Am. Soc. Quality Control 23 8 382 1967