A paper presents a study in which rates of release of small particles from Mars lander spacecraft into the Martian atmosphere were estimated from first principles. Because such particles can consist of, or be laden with, terrestrial microbes, the study was undertaken to understand their potential for biological contamination of Mars. The study included taking account of forces and energies involved in adhesion of particles and of three mechanisms of dislodgement of particles from the surface of a Mars lander: wind shear, wind-driven impingement of suspended dust, and impingement of wind-driven local saltating sand particles. Wind shear was determined to be effective in dislodging only particles larger than about 10 microns and would probably be of limited interest because such large particles could be removed by pre-flight cleaning of the spacecraft, and their number on the launched spacecraft would thus be relatively small. Dislodgement by wind-driven dust was found to be characterized by an adhesion half-life of the order of 10,000 years — judged to be too long to be of concern. Dislodgement by saltating sand particles, including skirts of dust devils, was found to be of potential importance, depending on the sizes of the spacecraft-attached particles and characteristics of both Mars sand-particle and spacecraft surfaces.
This work was done by Josette Bellan and Kenneth Harstad of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Mechanics category. NPO-42687
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
On Release of Microbe-Laden Particles From Mars Landers
(reference NPO-42687) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) concerning the potential release of microbe-laden particles from Mars landers, identified by NTR Number 42687. It is part of NASA Tech Briefs and aims to disseminate information on aerospace-related developments that may have broader technological, scientific, or commercial applications.
The primary focus of the document is on the implications of microbe-containing particulates that could be released during the operation of Mars landers. This topic is significant due to the ongoing exploration of Mars and the potential for discovering microbial life or the remnants of past life on the planet. The document references a specific publication by Kenneth Harstad and Josette Bellan, dated August 11, 2005, which likely provides detailed insights into the mechanisms and consequences of such releases.
The Technical Support Package emphasizes the importance of understanding the risks associated with the release of microbial particles, particularly in the context of planetary protection protocols. These protocols are designed to prevent contamination of extraterrestrial environments and to protect Earth's biosphere from potential extraterrestrial organisms.
Additionally, the document serves as a resource for researchers and technologists interested in the implications of space exploration on microbial life and the necessary precautions that must be taken to ensure safe and responsible exploration of Mars. It highlights the role of NASA's Innovative Partnerships Program, which aims to foster collaboration and innovation in aerospace technology.
For further information, the document provides contact details for the NASA Scientific and Technical Information (STI) Program Office, where additional resources and publications can be accessed. This includes a website link and contact information for the NASA STI Help Desk, which can assist with inquiries related to aerospace research and technology.
In summary, this Technical Support Package outlines the potential risks and considerations associated with the release of microbe-laden particles from Mars landers, emphasizing the need for careful management of planetary protection and the importance of ongoing research in this area.
