[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 146 (Wednesday, July 30, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 44819]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-19287]


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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

[Notice: (03-085)]


Availability for Comment; Draft Test Protocol for Detecting 
Possible Biohazards in Martian Samples Returned to Earth

AGENCY: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

ACTION: Availability for comment.

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SUMMARY: NASA has prepared a draft protocol for the testing and 
evaluation of samples that may be returned from Mars by future missions 
in its Mars exploration program. This protocol is designed to provide a 
model method whereby such samples can be tested for possible biohazards 
that could be present if life exists on Mars. The protocol has been 
prepared as a draft to guide the development of both a final protocol 
to accomplish biohazard and life-detection testing, and to aid in the 
eventual design of the facility or facilities that will be required to 
accomplish that testing. Public comment on this draft protocol is 
sought to provide for refinement of the draft and to provide 
information for future NASA planning efforts.
    A Mars sample return mission is not currently scheduled or funded 
by NASA, but is being considered as one option in planning future 
pathways for the exploration of Mars. The draft protocol is a pre-
decisional document with respect to planning for a future sample return 
mission.
    This notice informs the public of the availability of the draft 
protocol for electronic distribution, and solicits public comment.
    During the comment period, an electronic version (.pdf) of the NASA 
Conference Publication, ``A Draft Test Protocol for Detecting Possible 
Biohazards in Martian Samples Returned to Earth,'' NASA/CP-2002-211842, 
is available via internet at http://spacescience.nasa.gov/admin/pubs/marssamples/index.htm, and a limited number of print copies (one per 
addressee until the supply is exhausted) is available by writing to the 
address below.

DATES: Interested parties are invited to submit comments on this 
document in writing on or before November 28, 2003, to assure full 
consideration during future planning for Mars exploration missions 
involving surface or subsurface sample return missions.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to Dr. John D. Rummel, 
NASA Headquarters, Code S, Washington, DC 20546-0001. Comments may also 
be sent by electronic mail to: [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. John D. Rummel, Code S, NASA 
Headquarters, Washington, DC 20546-0001; 202-358-0702; electronic mail: 
[email protected].

John D. Rummel,
Planetary Protection Officer.
[FR Doc. 03-19287 Filed 7-29-03; 8:45 am]
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