Before settling for an outer space mission, the need for proper set of safety measures in preventing, diagnosing, and eventually treating infections that might be encountered by the astronauts who are gathering facts from Mars should be fulfilled. A scientific study, Infection Risk of a Human Mission to Mars by Mihai Netea of Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen, Germany proved that these are the answers into the risk of having infections of human missions being sent into this planet.
One of the most intriguing issues in science is the question for life presence in outer space more specifically in Mars. Many explorations were already sent in that so –called ‘Red Planet’ in order to answer the questions of most of the people involved in science. In connection to this, some of the scientist pursuing the study also figured out that the astronauts that they might be sending to the planet Mars might encounter Martian microbes or bacteria which may not be easily indentified here on Earth. This Martian microbe, known to scientists as the Martian meteorite ALH8400, contains carbonate granules that resembles microfossils. The detection of this microbe indicates existence of life on Mars.
It is just clear that with the discovery of microbes in Mars means life is also possible in that planet. But as according to Netea’s study, it is just enough that astronomers seeking for more sources of life forms in the Red Planet should take extra precautions before anything else. The primary reason for Mars explorations is to seek life, and not to risk life of the astronomers. But if precautionary measures are utilized, Martian microbes will not hinder the further explorations to Mars.
(Science article JO 314)
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