Space Luisa Fernanda
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Friday, October 16, 2026 · UTC
Missions & Exploration

NASA loosens Mars planetary protection sterilization rules

The internal directive was issued 29 September 2026, and reverts allowed mission contamination risk to 1964 standards.

Caleb Mbeki
Planetary Science Reporter
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NASA has loosened planetary protection sterilization requirements for Mars-bound spacecraft, per an internal directive issued 29 September 2026 by administrator Jared Isaacman.[1]