Migrating microbes and planetary protection.
Since the dawn of the space age, humans have wrestled with concerns about planetary cross-contamination. Spacecraft launched from Earth can transport hitchhiker microbes to new worlds on both robotic and crewed vehicles. As plans proceed for future life detection and human exploration missions, planetary protection considerations are again uppermost on the agendas of mission planners, and microbiologists have an important role to play.
Nicholson
Wayne L
WL
Department of Microbiology & Cell Science, University of Florida, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899, USA. WLN@ufl.edu
Schuerger
Andrew C
AC
Race
Margaret S
MS
D001419:Bacteria; D003264:Containment of Biohazards; D018559:Exobiology; D005118:Extraterrestrial Environment; D006801:Humans; D016083:Planets; D013026:Space Flight / Q000592:standards*