SEDNA: Planetary Protection in Missions to Icy Moons
SEDNA: Planetary Protection in Missions to Icy Moons

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 125

ISBN-13:

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In recent years the astrobiology community has become increasingly interested in the environmental conditions of icy moons in the Solar System, such as Enceladus, Titan, and Ganymede. It is believed that on several of these moons there are the three pre-requisites for life: a source of energy, liquid water, and organic compounds. Further studies of these bodies is desirable in order to determine if life exists there, what this life is like, and how it evolved. However, it is not desired that humans contaminate these worlds with bacteria that is attached to the probes. Equally important is that any returned samples from such places should not contaminate the Earth. This report compiles information from existing planetary protection regulations and technologies, looks at the science of icy moons, reviews missions to these moons, and analyzes a technology roadmap of how future missions can be pursued. It is the intention of this report to support other studies in this field, such as the upcoming Planetary Protection of Outer Solar System (PPOSS)Study by the European Science Foundation.

Planetary Protection Considerations for Missions to Solar System Small Bodies: Report Series-Committee on Planetary Protection
Planetary Protection Considerations for Missions to Solar System Small Bodies: Report Series-Committee on Planetary Protection

Author: National Academies Of Sciences Engineeri

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2023-06-15

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780309693721

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The ultimate goal of planetary protection for outbound missions is to prevent harmful contamination that would inhibit future measurements designed to search for evidence of the existence or evolution of extraterrestrial life. Preventing harmful contamination is achieved by following specific guidelines based on existing scientific knowledge about the destination and the type of mission. This report responds to NASA's request for a study on planetary protection categorization of missions to small bodies, including whether there are particular populations of small bodies for which contamination of one object in the population would not be likely to have a tangible effect on the opportunities for scientific investigation using other objects in the population. In addressing NASA's request, the authoring committee considered surface composition of target bodies and their importance for prebiotic chemistry, along with size of the small-body populations, the current state of knowledge on the types of objects, the likelihood of a future scientific mission returning to any specific object, active object surface processes, and the size.

Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology
Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology

Author: Swapan Kumar Haldar

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2020-07-29

Total Pages: 437

ISBN-13: 0323851363

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Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology, second edition, presents the essentials of both disciplines through an approach accessible to industry professionals, academic researchers, and students alike. This new edition emphasizes the relationship between rocks and minerals, right from the structures created during rock formation through the economics of mineral deposits. While petrology is classified on the lines of geological evolution and rock formation, mineralogy speaks to the physical and chemical properties, uses, and global occurrences for each mineral, emphasizing the need for the growth of human development. The primary goal is for the reader to identify minerals in all respects, including host-rocks, and mineral deposits, with additional knowledge of mineral-exploration, resource, extraction, process, and ultimate use. To help provide a comprehensive analysis across ethical and socio-economic dimensions, a separate chapter describes the hazards associated with minerals, rocks, and mineral industries, and the consequences to humanity along with remedies and case studies. New to the second edition: includes coverage of minerals and petrology in extra-terrestrial environments as well as case studies on the hazards of the mining industry. Addresses the full scope of core concepts of mineralogy and petrology, including crystal structure, formation and grouping of minerals and soils, definition, origin, structure and classification of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks Features more than 250 figures, illustrations and color photographs to vividly explore the fundamental principles of mineralogy and petrology Offers a holistic approach to both subjects, beginning with the formation of geologic structures that is followed by the hosting of mineral deposits and the exploration and extraction of lucrative, usable products that improve the health of global economies Includes new content on minerals and petrology in extraterrestrial environments and case studies on hazards in the mining industry

Deep Space Propulsion
Deep Space Propulsion

Author: K. F. Long

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2011-11-25

Total Pages: 379

ISBN-13: 1461406072

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The technology of the next few decades could possibly allow us to explore with robotic probes the closest stars outside our Solar System, and maybe even observe some of the recently discovered planets circling these stars. This book looks at the reasons for exploring our stellar neighbors and at the technologies we are developing to build space probes that can traverse the enormous distances between the stars. In order to reach the nearest stars, we must first develop a propulsion technology that would take our robotic probes there in a reasonable time. Such propulsion technology has radically different requirements from conventional chemical rockets, because of the enormous distances that must be crossed. Surprisingly, many propulsion schemes for interstellar travel have been suggested and await only practical engineering solutions and the political will to make them a reality. This is a result of the tremendous advances in astrophysics that have been made in recent decades and the perseverance and imagination of tenacious theoretical physicists. This book explores these different propulsion schemes – all based on current physics – and the challenges they present to physicists, engineers, and space exploration entrepreneurs. This book will be helpful to anyone who really wants to understand the principles behind and likely future course of interstellar travel and who wants to recognizes the distinctions between pure fantasy (such as Star Trek’s ‘warp drive’) and methods that are grounded in real physics and offer practical technological solutions for exploring the stars in the decades to come.

Space Invaders
Space Invaders

Author: Michel van Pelt

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2010-05-05

Total Pages: 320

ISBN-13: 0387688803

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Manned space programs attract the most media attention, and it is not hard to understand why: the danger, the heroism, the sheer adventure we as earthbound observers can imagine when humans are involved. But robotic missions deserve a respectful and detailed history and analysis of their own, and this book provides it. Instead of describing one specific spacecraft or mission, Michel van Pelt offers a "behind the scenes" look at the life of a space probe from its first conceptual design to the analysis of the scientific data returned by the spacecraft.

Solar System Planets and Exoplanets
Solar System Planets and Exoplanets

Author: Joseph Bevelacqua

Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand

Published: 2021-07-07

Total Pages: 236

ISBN-13: 1839693126

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Solar System Planets and Exoplanets provides a current viewpoint of planetary systems. The solar system’s planets and exoplanets are addressed in an overview manner, and specific space probe data are used to provide a current state of knowledge of Venus and Mars. Recent Mars data and associated observations are addressed in several chapters. Of particular interest are data that suggest the possibility that life could have existed on the planet’s surface during its past when Mars’ atmosphere was wetter and denser. The search for life on Mars is one of the main objectives of space missions, and it is an ongoing theme of this book. Key to the existence of life is the evolution of the radiation output of the Sun that is discussed and projected into the future. Space probe data related to the Asteroid Belt is also presented. Technological advances in terms of operating aircraft on Mars and propulsion systems provide useful commentary regarding future innovations that will enhance upcoming space missions and the search for life.

Low-Energy Lunar Trajectory Design
Low-Energy Lunar Trajectory Design

Author: Jeffrey S. Parker

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2014-06-25

Total Pages: 452

ISBN-13: 1118855310

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Based on years of research conducted at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Low-Energy Lunar Trajectory Design provides high-level information to mission managers and detailed information to mission designers about low-energy transfers between Earth and the moon. The book answers high-level questions about the availability and performance of such transfers in any given month and year. Low-energy lunar transfers are compared with various other types of transfers, and placed within the context of historical missions. Using this book, designers may reconstruct any transfer described therein, as well as design similar transfers with particular design parameters. An Appendix, “Locating the Lagrange Points,” and a useful list of terms and constants completes this technical reference. Surveys thousands of possible trajectories that may be used to transfer spacecraft between Earth and the moon, including transfers to lunar libration orbits, low lunar orbits, and the lunar surface Provides information about the methods, models, and tools used to design low-energy lunar transfers Includes discussion about the variations of these transfers from one month to the next, and the important operational aspects of implementing a low-energy lunar transfer Additional discussions address navigation, station-keeping, and spacecraft systems issues