Sterilization of Unmanned Planetary Spacecraft

Abstract

This report presents a brief summary of the results of recent studies conducted on spacecraft sterilization. A recapitulation of the advantages and disadrantages offered by various sterilizing agents and methods is included. Also included are clean room requirement, and concepts, personnel requirements for sterile vehicle assembly, concepts for the sterilization canister, handling and transportation requirenents for the spacecraft and bus, concepts for termina-heat sterilizaticn, and the potential contamination problems existing as the lander separates from the bun. 1)Present methods of sterilization that are mcst promising, and the effects these rnethods have on materials for vehicle components. 2) Processing and packaging practices as related to fabrication and assembly, and the problems existing with these practices. 3) Practices being developed and/or pursued to permit handling of the sterilized vehicles up to time of launch. 4) Procedures being used to measure cleanliness level in the sterilization laboratory.