Why Must Lander Probes on Mars Be Sterilized Before Launch

question 83

Multiple Choice

Why must lander probes on Mars be sterilized before launch?

• A) to prevent terrestrial microbes hitching a ride on the probe and contaminating the Martian surface
• B) to prevent terrestrial microbes destroying the electronics in the probe during its passage to Mars
• C) to prevent Martian dust from building up on the probe on the surface
• D) to prevent Martian microbes from contaminating the lander probe

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Myoglobin

A pigment contained in muscle cells that stores extra oxygen.

Muscle Tissue

A tissue type that is specialized to shorten and elongate.

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The process of repairing or restoring plastic materials, often involving techniques like welding, filling, or reshaping.

Ureter

A tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder, part of the urinary tract system.