ALL SCI-FI

[Pow]

Here's something I was unaware about that I just read on the SYFY Wire site that is real.

The PPP, which can vary in its complexity based upon the nature of its mission. A spacecraft headed for deep space has a different level of risk than one headed for the surface of a planet.

The goal of planetary protection is two-fold, to protect Earth from extraterrestrial contamination and to protect the rest of the cosmos from Earth contamination.

Planetary protection isn't just good practice, it's a legal requirement of all space agencies, with guidelines defined by the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) in compliance with the United Stations Outer Space Treaty.

NASA's Office of Planetary Protection works to ensure planetary protection protocols to prevent contamination of other worlds (forward contamination) or contamination of the Earth or Moon (backward contamination).

Sidebar: This seems an incredibly wise policy given the potential dangers of real life space exploration by humans.

Unfortunately, can we really trust other nations to abide by this and do the right thing? With China & Russia on board I'd have to say probably not. The duplicitous nature of their governments throughout history would indicate we cannot trust either nation. Add to that, that having so many nations involved could also mean a mistake by any one of them could result in disaster.

Still and all, I greatly admire this policy that wants to protect the Earth, Moon, and Cosmos from any biological contamination. Kind of like a Prime Directive.

[Gord Green]

Beware THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN!
_________________
There comes a time, thief, when gold loses its lustre, and the gems cease to sparkle, and the throne room becomes a prison; and all that is left is a father's love for his child.