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Rules guarding other planets from contamination may be too strict

As more missions target the moon, Mars and other places, scientists want to update guidelines

solar system illustration

Given what we know now about solar system bodies like the moon and Mars, future space missions may not need to abide by the same, strict planetary protection guidelines currently used, scientists say.

NASA

By Maria Temming

- More than 2 years ago

Some policies for protecting the moon, Mars and other places in the solar system from contamination by visiting missions may be too strict.