OU researchers lead international advances in planetary protection

Open University researchers are leading international advances in planetary protection, helping ensure that space exploration is safe, sustainable, and scientifically rigorous. Their research is featured in a new thematic issue of Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A which brings together the latest international perspectives on preventing contamination in space and safeguarding Earth from extraterrestrial material.

Professor Karen Olsson-Francis, Director of AstrobiologyOU, said: "The quality of research presented in this special issue demonstrates the profile that planetary protection now has. I am proud that this is an outcome of our efforts to bring together the space community at the inaugural International COSPAR Planetary Protection Week, and to have enabled new discussions and collaborations that are shaping planetary protection internationally."

The Open University’s research featured in this thematic issue provides practical insights into cost-effective implementation of planetary protection, microbial risk assessment, and the importance of international collaboration to ensure exploration of Mars, the Moon, and beyond is conducted safely, responsibly, and sustainably.

Professor Olsson-Francis led a paper highlighting key scientific knowledge gaps and the need for collaborative protocols to guide future exploration, including crewed missions and sample return.

AstrobiologyOU PhD student Silvio Sinibaldi examined whether planetary protection is a significant cost driver in European Space Agency missions. Analysing missions since 1985, the study found that forward planetary protection requirements add minimal cost. This is less than one per cent for orbiters and up to five per cent for Mars landing missions. For Earth-return sample missions, planetary protection is an integral part of mission design rather than an added expense.

Dr Michael Macey, Senior lecturer in Microbiology, along with AstrobiologyOU colleagues Ben Stephens, Dr Ezgi Kucukkilic-Stephens and Professor Karen Olsson-Francis, analysed microbial communities in spacecraft cleanrooms using an ensemble binning approach. Their research identified microbial diversity, survival strategies, and potential resistance traits, providing insights for refining planetary protection protocols.

Professor Olsson-Francis also contributed to papers on COSPAR policy updates, international panel discussions, and technical challenges in isolator glovebox systems.

The full thematic issue, Planetary protection for sustainable space exploration, is available via The Royal Society.