Planetary Protection Standards System

Abstract:

The Mars sample return mission of China will be the Category V “Restricted Earth return” mission， requiring stringent planetary protection measures to prevent cross-contamination between Earth and Mars and to facilitate groundbreaking scientific discoveries. Based on the planetary protection design specification of the TW-3 mission and considering unique characteristics of the mission， this paper introduces systems engineering methodologies to conduct research and requirement analysis of the standardization of planetary protection for the mission. The top-level design of the planetary protection standards system has been carried out， and a framework for the planetary protection standards system of the mission is constructed from both vertical and horizontal dimensions. Additionally， a detailed list of planetary protection standards is formulated. The work supported the systematic construction of the standardization of planetary protection for the mission. The achievements and experience presented in this paper have significant both referential and practical value for enhancing the standardization level of planetary protection for deep space exploration in China.