Missions with the Strictest Planetary Protection Protocols

Missions like Mars Sample Return (MSR) and Europa Clipper adhere to the most stringent planetary protection protocols (Category V Restricted Earth Return for MSR and Category III for Europa Clipper) to prevent both forward and backward contamination due to their potential to encounter habitable environments.

Sources

• Planetary Protection - Office of Safety and Mission Assurance - NASA
• The Safety of Mars Sample Return - NASA
• mars.nasa.gov
• lpi.usra.edu
• cambridge.org
• jpl.nasa.gov

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