Sec. 206. Planetary protection for human exploration missions
198 words·~1 min read·
/bill/113/hr/4412/eh/section-206A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Administrator shall enter into an arrangement with the National Academies for a study to explore the planetary protection ramifications of potential future missions by astronauts such as to the lunar polar regions, near-Earth asteroids, the moons of Mars, and the surface of Mars. The study shall— collate and summarize what has been done to date with respect to planetary protection measures to be applied to potential human missions such as to the lunar polar regions, near-Earth asteroids, the moons of Mars, and the surface of Mars; identify and document planetary protection concerns associated with potential human missions such as to the lunar polar regions, near-Earth asteroids, the moons of Mars, and the surface of Mars; develop a methodology, if possible, for defining and classifying the degree of concern associated with each likely destination; assess likely methodologies for addressing planetary protection concerns; and identify areas for future research to reduce current uncertainties.
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide the results of the study to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.