Planetary Protection Officer

A Planetary Protection Officer is a scientist responsible for preventing contamination between Earth and other celestial bodies, such as Mars or asteroids. Their goal is to ensure that spacecraft do not carry Earth microbes that could disrupt extraterrestrial environments or jeopardize future scientific research. They also protect Earth from potential alien microbes, should they be encountered. This involves establishing protocols for spacecraft sterilization, handling samples safely, and coordinating international efforts to maintain the integrity of space exploration and protect planetary ecosystems.