Isolator/glovebox technical challenges for the curation of samples returned from Mars

Mars sample return (MSR) is classified by COSPAR as a Class V restricted science mission because of the non-zero risk that selected rock and regolith may contain an unknown extra-terrestrial microbiology. Once returned to Earth, the samples will be initially curated in a specialized high-containment sample receiving facility (SRF), using isolators that meet or exceed the containment standards of a Class III biosafety cabinet (BSC). A key challenge in designing such a facility is integrating biological containment with ultra-clean cabinet operations for curation. A double-walled isolator (DWI) concept is often discussed as a containment solution to this challenge. To support planetary protection (PP) requirements of the mission, a DWI breadboard (DWI BB) model has been developed in the UK to demonstrate and test the double-wall concept. Its multi-barrier technology enables the safe handling/movement, analysis and curation of precious samples in a pristine environment. This article explores the technical challenges of sample curation under high containment and how the double-wall design, incorporating a tertiary pressure barrier, supports enhanced Class III BSC development within a biosafety level (BSL) 3 or 4 (BSL-3/4) laboratory. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Planetary Protection for sustainable space exploration’.