Title
A Quarantine Protocol For Analysis Of Returned Extraterrestrial Samples
Abstract
A quarantine protocol is presented for analysis of samples of extraterrestrial material that might be returned from space to an Earth-orbiting quarantine facility. The protocol is designed to detect biologically active agents in extraterrestrial soil. Its goal is either to certify the sample safe to return to a terrestrial containment facility where extensive biological, chemical, geological and physical investigations can be conducted, or to detect "biological effects" thus dictating second order testing. The protocol requires 46 grams of a one kilogram returned sample plus 54 grams to be reserved for second order testing should that become necessary. The protocol operates at two levels. First, it seeks to detect the presence of any replicating organisms or toxic substances using chemical analyses, microscopy, metabolic tests, and microbiological culturing techniques. The second level involves hazard evaluation by adding any agents found at the first level (or the extraterrestrial soil) to challenge cultures of terrestrial species. The specific types of experiments and the means of executing them were chosen by participants in an American Society for Engineering Education Summer Systems Design Group to provide maximum life detection sensitivity, yet are compatible with a small crew operating behind biological barriers in a condition of weightlessness. © 1983.
Publication Date
1-1-1983
Publication Title
Advances in Space Research
Volume
3
Issue
8
Number of Pages
27-34
Document Type
Article
Personal Identifier
scopus
DOI Link
https://doi.org/10.1016/0273-1177(83)90169-2
Copyright Status
Unknown
Socpus ID
49049126013 (Scopus)
Source API URL
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/49049126013
STARS Citation
Bagby, J. R. and Debnath, Lokenath, "A Quarantine Protocol For Analysis Of Returned Extraterrestrial Samples" (1983). Scopus Export 1980s. 41.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/scopus1980/41