Sample return containerization and planetary protection using brazing for breaking the chain of contact to Mars (original) (raw)

2021

Abstract

Planetary protection of returned Mars samples to Earth in a future NASA mission is a critical part of preventing uncontrolled biological materials being released from the samples. The planetary protection process requires addressing the potential risks and would involve “breaking the chain of contact (BTC)”, where any returned material reaching Earth for further analysis would have to be sealed inside a container with extremely high confidence. The sterilization process would require destroying any potential biological materials that may contaminate the external surface of the container. A novel process for containing the returning samples has been conceived and is in development at JPL. The process consists of using induction heated brazing to synchronously sterilize, separate, seam and seal the container.

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