Cleanliness is key for robotic space explorers
Saturday, December 22, 2012 - 22:00
in Astronomy & Space
Welcome to an arcane niche of science called planetary protection — or, how to explore space without messing it up.WATERTON CANYON, Colo. — The concrete-floored room looks, at first glance, like little more than a garage. There is a red tool chest, its drawers labeled: "Hacksaws." "Allen wrenches." There are stepladders and vise grips. There is also, at one end of the room, a half-built spaceship, and everyone is wearing toe-to-fingertip protective suits.