C.15 Planetary Protection – Europa Lander Update

C.15 Planetary Protection Research has been updated to indicate that up to three additional projects in support of icy satellite surface technology development and/or a Europa Lander mission may be selected.

Mission-enabling and capability-driven research is required to improve NASA's understanding of the potential for both forward and backward contamination; and improve methods and technologies for accurate, efficient, and effective minimization of biological contamination for outbound spacecraft and return samples.

This year program element C.15 Planetary Protection Research is especially soliciting proposals that focus on advancing planetary protection research and technology development for planetary missions to icy satellite surfaces, in particular in support of a Europa Lander mission. Up to three additional projects in support of icy satellite surface technology development and/or a Europa Lander mission may be selected. The expected program budget and estimated number of new awards in Section 5 have been updated.

Questions regarding this program element may be directed to Becky McCauley Rench at HQ-PPR@mail.nasa.gov.