The Role of COSPAR for Space Security and Planetary Protection

Abstract

The environment of the Earth can be at risk of potential contamination from extraterrestrial material brought back to this planet by robotic and human explorers. Similarly, spacecraft sent to explore celestial bodies can carry microbes that can contaminate an extraterrestrial environment. Contamination presents significant implications for space security. The Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) of the International Science Council (ISC) has maintained a Planetary Protection Policy (PPP) to address both forward and back contamination. States have implemented the COSPAR PPP as the recognized standard to comply with international treaty obligations in regard to contamination from biological matter.