Pergamon Adv Space Res Vol 26, No 12, pp 1901-1909,200O Q 2001 COSPAR Pubhshed by Elsewer Scmce Ltd All nghts reserved Pnnted m Great Bntaln www elsevier nlflocatelasr PI1 SO273-1177(00)00160-5 0273-l 177/00 $20 00 + 0 00 INTEGRATING PUBLIC PERSPECTIVES IN SAMPLE RETURN PLANNING Margaret S Race’ and Donald G Ma&t-ego? ‘SETI Institute, Mountan View, CA 94549, USA 2DecrslonResearch, Inc., andMacGregor-Bates, Inc., Eugene, OR 97401, USA AEWIRACT Plamung for extraterrestnal sample returns-- whether from Mars or other solar system bodes-- must be done m a way that integrates planetary protection concerns with the usual mission techmcal and scientrfic considerations Understanding and addressing legitimate societal concerns about the possible risks of sample return will be a critical part of the public decision making process ahead This paper presents the results of two studies, one with lay audiences, the other with expert microbiologtsts designed to gather mforrnation on attitudes and concerns about sample return nsks and planetary protection Focus group interviews with lay subjects, using generic information about Mars sample return and a prehmmary environmental impact assessment, were designed to obtain an mdrcation of how the factual content is perceived and understood by the publtc A research survey of rmcrobrologtsts gathered mformation on experts’ views and attitudes about sample return nsk management approaches and space exploration risks These findings, combmed with earlier research results on risk perception, will be useful m identifymg levels of concern and potential conflicts m understandmg between experts and the public about sample return risks The mformation ~111 be helpful m gmdmg development of the environmental impact statement and also has apphcabihty to proposals for sample return from other solar system bodies where screntrtic uncertamty about extraterrestrial life may persist at the time of mrssion plannmg Q 2001 COSPAR Published by Elsevler Science Ltd All rights reserved INTRODUCTION NASA’s plans for Mars exploratron early m the next nnllenmum include a sample return nnssion that will launch around 2005 and return soils, rocks and atmospherrc samples to Earth around 2008 In response to both mtematronal treaties and domestic laws, numerous planetary protection controls will be incorporated into the rmssion design along with traditional technical and scientific considerations (DrVmcenzi et al, 1998) The ultimate success of a sample return mission may also depend on understandmg how the techmcal and scientific aspects of planetary protectron interact with legal requirements and societal concerns about mtssion activities m space and on Earth (Race, 1998) Understanding and addressmg legitimate societal concerns about the possible risks of sample return will be a crmcal part of the public decision making process ahead In preparation for public oversight and involvement m decision makmg about sample return, planmng must focus on legal compliance and procedural requirements, as well as pubhc concerns and perceptions Even if all procedural and admmlstrauve requirements are fulfilled m advance of launch and all the technical and scientific experts are satisfied that the mission has been planned and designed appropriately, the public has a legitimate right to scrutmize the rmssion before giving its mformed consent to proceed