Introduction to Planetary Protection

Course summary

This course provides an overview of international policies, standards and methodologies used to implement planetary protection measures in space missions. It includes discussions on compliance to UN Outer Space Treaty requiring space explorations to avoid harmful contamination of celestial bodies (including the Moon) and adverse changes in the environment of Earth (as a result of introduction of extra-terrestrial matter). Emphasis will be put on both theoretical, management and practical aspects of planetary protection, with hands-on laboratory training in microbial sampling and cleanroom activities. The course is taught by international experts in the field of planetary protection, with knowledge across multiple disciplines, as well as direct involvement in state-of-the-art astrobiology missions.

Who should attend

• Space industry or space agencies personnel dealing with planetary exploration;
• Astrobiologists interested in understanding key aspects of planetary protection framework and implementation activities;
• Anyone wishing to gain insight into the importance of planetary protection for sustainable space explorations.

What you will learn

• What is Planetary Protection and how it was originated
• International planetary protection policies (i.e. COSPAR)
• Basics of microbiology
• Implementation of Planetary Protection requirements
• Hands on laboratory techniques and practices
• Personnel behaviour in cleanrooms
• ESA ECSS standards for bioburden control
• Backward contamination: overview on probabilistic risk assessment and curation facility
• Lessons learned from previous astrobiology missions

Course Material

Each attendee will receive a copy of the presentations and an individual Certificate of Completion

The course is supported by the ESA Independent Safety Office.