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Mars-1 was the first spacecraft launched to Mars in 1962, [266] but communication was lost while en route to Mars. With Mars-2 and Mars-3 in 1971–1972, information was obtained on the nature of the surface rocks and altitude profiles of the surface density of the soil, its thermal conductivity, and thermal anomalies detected on the surface of ...
The survival of some microorganisms exposed to outer space has been studied using both simulated facilities and low Earth orbit exposures. Bacteria were some of the first organisms investigated, when in 1960 a Russian satellite carried Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, and Enterobacter aerogenes into orbit. [1]
Precisely because Mars is an environment of great potential biological interest, it is possible that on Mars there are pathogens, organisms which, if transported to the terrestrial environment, might do enormous biological damage. [56] Later in Cosmos (1980) Carl Sagan wrote: Perhaps Martian samples can be safely returned to Earth.
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A Viking lander being prepared for dry heat sterilization – this remains the "gold standard" [1] of present-day planetary protection.. Planetary protection is a guiding principle in the design of an interplanetary mission, aiming to prevent biological contamination of both the target celestial body and the Earth in the case of sample-return missions.
Astro microbiology, or exo microbiology, is the study of microorganisms in outer space. It stems from an interdisciplinary approach, which incorporates both microbiology and astrobiology . Astrobiology's efforts are aimed at understanding the origins of life and the search for life other than on Earth.
Mars Pathfinder's Sojourner rover and the Mars Exploration Rovers each used this landing technique successfully. The Phoenix Scout lander descended to the surface with retro-rockets, however, their fuel was hydrazine , and the end products of the plume (water, nitrogen, and ammonia) were not found to have affected the soils at the landing site.
The source of Mars methane is unknown; its detection is shown here. The reported presence of methane in the atmosphere of Mars is of interest to many geologists and astrobiologists, [1] as methane may indicate the presence of microbial life on Mars, or a geochemical process such as volcanism or hydrothermal activity.