Protecting Earth from extraterrestrial contaminants.

On June 19, a proposal more than a formal study was published by researchers Frederick Monsley and Anthony Ricardi. They suggested that, to protect Earth, we should create a containment structure a biological or biocontainment laboratory on the Moon to house these samples. Just imagine: an automated probe collects samples from Mars much like the mission China is currently undertaking, and similar to what NASA planned (and presumably still plans) to do, though the timeline is uncertain due to past controversy. In any case, China has such a project: the probe goes to Mars, collects samples, and theoretically brings them back to Earth.

These samples might, in principle, contain some form of Martian bacteria. Consider life forms adapted to temperature ranges vastly different from Earth's; they would fare very poorly here literally melting away. Consequently, I do not believe that life forms found on Titan or other Saturnian moons would pose a threat to Earth's ecosystems; even if brought to Antarctica, they would likely struggle to survive. However, water-based life forms from Marsassuming life emerged when the planet still had water would find Earth akin to an amusement park. They would encounter a pleasant environment with comfortable temperatures, abundant water, and plenty of organic matter to thrive on. Thus, they could be extremely dangerous and might easily spread across Earth.

That doesn't mean they were aggressive toward humans, but they could spread very easily; furthermore, having lived in an extremely harsh environment, they would find Earth to be a paradise. That is why this alternative is being proposed: instead of bringing those samples directly to Earth, they would be taken to a location where they could be analyzed safely—a site that would serve as a containment facility in the event of a disaster. In fact, there had previously been a proposal to use the International Space Station as that containment laboratoryor to create a small mini-station equipped with all the laboratories, machinery, and equipment needed for in-depth analysis. Such analysis cannot be performed by the rovers currently there; like it or not, they have limitations. Even though rovers like Curiosity and Opportunity are massive, they lack the necessary equipment for in-depth analysis.

Over a year ago, a proposal emerged to use the International Space Station as a containment lab in case of trouble. What these researchers are proposing instead is to build a containment laboratory on the Moon at that future lunar baseas a safeguard against potential problems. Incidentally, this is a great concept for science fiction fans; you have an extraordinary theme here: a lunar laboratory where samples from Mars are brought in, and—lo and behold tragedy strikes.

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