Knowledge Tree
Sample Safety Assessment Framework (SSAF)
Also known as: SSAF, Sample Safety Assessment Framework
Facts (12)
Sources
Planetary protection: an international concern and responsibility frontiersin.org May 29, 2023 12 facts
claimThe Sample Safety Assessment Framework (SSAF) is not a life detection framework; a life detection framework starts with a negative hypothesis to prove it wrong, whereas the SSAF starts with a positive hypothesis to prove it wrong within an agreed level of confidence.
claimThe Sample Safety Assessment Framework (SSAF) has the objective to evaluate whether Martian life is present in samples intentionally returned from Mars that could pose a hazard for Earth’s systems.
claimThe Sample Safety Assessment Framework (SSAF) test-sequence capability covers self-replicating and non-self-replicating biology and biologically active molecules.
claimThe Sample Safety Assessment Framework (SSAF) serves as a basis for other COSPAR Planetary Protection Category V, restricted Earth return, missions beyond Mars.
referenceThe COSPAR Sample Safety Assessment Framework (SSAF) was developed by a COSPAR-appointed working group to evaluate whether samples returned from Mars could contain Martian life and thus pose a biological contamination risk to Earth.
claimCOSPAR’s Policy defines 'replicating entity' more broadly than the Sample Safety Assessment Framework (SSAF), including viruses and general biologically active molecules like prions, whereas the SSAF focuses specifically on non-terrestrial self-replicating entities.
claimThe Sample Safety Assessment Framework (SSAF) requires conducting timely analyses of any unsterilized sample collected and returned to Earth under strict containment using the most sensitive techniques.
claimTo effectively implement and optimize the Sample Safety Assessment Framework (SSAF), three major open issues must be addressed: 1) setting a level of assurance to exclude the presence of Martian life in samples, 2) carrying out an analogue test program, and 3) acquiring relevant contamination knowledge from all future missions, such as Mars Sample Return flight and ground elements.
referenceThe Sample Safety Assessment Framework (SSAF) utilizes a positive hypothesis that is complementary to the science null-hypothesis and includes four elements: 1) Bayesian statistics, 2) subsampling strategy, 3) test-sequence, and 4) decision criteria.
claimThe COSPAR Policy requires a life-detection examination of returned samples, whereas the SSAF (Sample Safety Assessment Framework) explicitly states that it is not a life-detection protocol, according to Kminek et al. (2022).
claimThe scope of the Sample Safety Assessment Framework (SSAF) is limited to evaluating whether the presence of Martian life can be excluded in returned samples, because conducting a comprehensive safety assessment to predict all harmful or harmless consequences for Earth is not feasible.
referenceThe proceedings regarding the Sample Safety Assessment Framework (SSAF) were published in reports by Kminek et al. in 2014 and 2022.