Maybe Dragon can afford to be contaminated, if receives samples from an existing rover on the surface. The samples could be well enclosed before they are loaded into the capsule.
As long as we're still considering the possibility of extant life, contamination issues can't be ignored.
Quote from: IRobot on 03/13/2014 05:12 pmMaybe Dragon can afford to be contaminated, if receives samples from an existing rover on the surface. The samples could be well enclosed before they are loaded into the capsule.contamination of *Mars*, not *Dragon*.
Mars contamination is bound to happen.
Quote from: IRobot on 03/13/2014 06:17 pm Mars contamination is bound to happen. It doesn't matter, the mission has to try to prevent it as reasonably possible. Which means the vehicle has be built in a cleanroom and not a factory floor.
Article 9 of the Outer Space Treaty binds signatories to take adequate measures to avoid contamination of planetary bodies. You can't wave that away under the guise of 'colonisation', especially for a NASA funded mission.
That might be taken seriously for initial missions - though the ability of lawyers and politicians to argue endlessly over what is or is not 'adequate' shouldn't be underestimated - but if there is to be a colony, it's going to have to be modified; probably trading objections for access.
Quote from: CuddlyRocket on 03/17/2014 06:17 amThat might be taken seriously for initial missions - though the ability of lawyers and politicians to argue endlessly over what is or is not 'adequate' shouldn't be underestimated - but if there is to be a colony, it's going to have to be modified; probably trading objections for access.As long as the rocket is a US licensed launch, it will have to follow US laws and treaties. FAA is not going to give approval.
1. Laws can be changed and the US is not famed for keeping to its treaty obligations. Do you really think that a push to establish a Mars colony (especially a privately financed one) is going to be blocked by the FAA? 2. If they can't finesse the law and regulations they'll ask Congress to modify them; if they get the chance before some Congressman or Senator up for re-election gets there first.
1. Why should the FAA care about a Mars colony? The FAA's mandate is concerned with vehicles passing through US airspace and those vehicles observing US laws. Just because you think establishing a Mars colony is important doesn't mean the FAA or US gov't does.
So are you saying that manned exploration of Mars can never happen, because of the contamination rules? Contamination of Mars cannot be avoided when sending people, regardless of purpose, colonization or exploration.
Quote from: guckyfan on 03/18/2014 01:21 pmSo are you saying that manned exploration of Mars can never happen, because of the contamination rules? Contamination of Mars cannot be avoided when sending people, regardless of purpose, colonization or exploration.There is some lines getting crossed.No, just that near term commercial probes (Red Dragon) would have to follow the protocols. That is what started this link. At some point when they figure out what is on Mars, the rules will be changed. The issue is when is that point, especially if Musk wants to move faster than the scientists.
Quote from: Jim on 03/18/2014 01:28 pmQuote from: guckyfan on 03/18/2014 01:21 pmSo are you saying that manned exploration of Mars can never happen, because of the contamination rules? Contamination of Mars cannot be avoided when sending people, regardless of purpose, colonization or exploration.There is some lines getting crossed.No, just that near term commercial probes (Red Dragon) would have to follow the protocols. That is what started this link. At some point when they figure out what is on Mars, the rules will be changed. The issue is when is that point, especially if Musk wants to move faster than the scientists.Thanks for the carification.Edit: That would mean if NASA does not move, Musk cannot go to Mars.