Speaker
Benjamin Andrews
(European Space Agency)
Description
Biological contamination of Mars by robotic and crewed missions could threaten the integrity of extra-terrestrial life detection. Currently, no model exists to reliably assess this risk. We present a new modelling framework to assess the contamination risk posed by spacecraft sent to Mars. Using data for the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover, we quantify the reduction in spacecraft bioburden due to solar UV radiation and thermal-vacuum synergy during cruise and surface operations. We also provide a structured overview of the knowledge required to estimate microbial transport by Martian winds and microbial growth at the ExoMars rover landing site.
Author
Benjamin Andrews
(European Space Agency)