Category V Compliant Container For Mars Sample Return Missions

A novel containerization technique that satisfies Planetary Protection Category V requirements has been developed and demonstrated on the mock-up of the Mars Sample Return Container. The proposed approach uses explosive welding with a sacrificial layer and cut-through-the-seam techniques. The technology produces a container that is free from Martian contaminants on an atomic level. The containerization technique can be used on any celestial body that may support life. A major advantage of the proposed technology is the possibility of very fast (less than an hour) verification of both containment and cleanliness with typical metallurgical laboratory equipment. No separate biological verification is required. In addition to Category V requirements, the proposed container presents a surface that is clean from any, even non-viable organisms, and any molecular fragments of biological origin that are unique to Mars or any other celestial body other than Earth.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.4271/2000-01-2421
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/01487191
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission of SAE International.
• Authors:
  • Dolgin, Benjamin
  • Sanok, Joseph
  • Sevilla, Donald
  • Bement, Laurence
• Conference:
  • International Conference On Environmental Systems
  • Location: San Francisco California, United States
  • Date: 2008-6-29 to 2008-7-2
• Publication Date: 1998-7-13

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: References;
• Serial:
  • SAE Technical Paper
  • Publisher: Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
  • ISSN: 0148-7191
  • EISSN: 2688-3627
  • Serial URL: http://papers.sae.org/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Biology; Containers; Equipment; Metallurgy; Tools; Welding
• Subject Areas: Highways; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01796483
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: SAE International
• Report/Paper Numbers: 2000-01-2421
• Files: TRIS, SAE
• Created Date: Dec 9 2021 10:18AM