National Academies Press, Washington, 2009. — 91 p.Contents
Summary
Introduction
Importance of Mars Sample Return,
Sample Return and Planetary Protection,
Mars Exploration Strategy,
Report Organization,
Notes,
The Potential for Past or OR Present Habitable Environments on Mars
Following the Water on Mars,
Martian Methane,
Implications for Habitability,
Insights Gained from the Study of Martian Meteorites,
Conclusions and Recommendations,
Notes,
Advances in Microbial ICROBIAL Ecology
Examples of Life in Extreme Environments on Earth,
Conclusions,
Notes,
The Potential for Finding Biosignatures in Returned Martian Samples
Conclusions,
Notes,
The Potential for Large-Scale Effects
Types of Large-Scale Effects,
The Question of Panspermia,
Conclusions,
Notes,
Sample Containment and Biohazards Evaluation
Sample Containment,
Biohazards Testing,
Conclusions and Recommendations,
Notes,
Sample-Receiving Facility and Program Oversight
Risk Assessment,
Timescale for Establishing a Sample-Receiving Facility,
Other Issues Associated with Mars Sample Return,
Oversight,
Public Communication and Provision of Information,
Conclusions and Recommendations,
Notes,
Appendixes
Letter of Request from NASA
Committee and Staff Biographical Information
