Mars Base Camp lander
Lockheed Martin's proposed reusable Mars lander, a new element to its Mars Base Camp architecture. Credit: Lockheed Martin

WASHINGTON — An independent report is calling on NASA to update decades’ old planetary protection policies to reflect changing knowledge of solar system habitability and to enable future exploration by both the space agency and commercial entities.

To continue reading this article:

Register now to read
3 free articles this month.

You’ll also receive our weekly Editor’s Choice, SpaceNews This Week and Opinions newsletters. Opt-out at any time.

Sign in to an existing account

Get unlimited access to SpaceNews.com, the SpaceNews app and our digital monthly magazine for less than $5 per week.

$280

On a campus or library network? Check for access.

Cancel anytime. Sales tax may apply. No refunds. Terms and conditions apply.

See all subscription options

Jeff Foust writes about space policy, commercial space, and related topics for SpaceNews. He earned a Ph.D. in planetary sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree with honors in geophysics and planetary science...