Radiation-Based In-Situ Sterilization for Sample Return Missions

Abstract

The present disclosure teaches methods and devices for using radioisotope sources to sterilize samples of soil, rock, atmosphere or atmosphere, which may be collected from an extraterrestrial planet, moon, or asteroid, or other body. A sterilization method may include: (a) providing a sample container, (b) inserting a sample collection tube, containing a sample, into the sample container, (c) inserting a radioisotope source into the sample container, and (d) irradiating the sample with radiation emitted by the radioisotope source. A sterilization apparatus may include: a sample container, a sample collection tube, a sample disposed inside of the sample collection tube, and a radioisotope source disposed inside of the sample container. Alternatively, an outside surface of the sample container may be irradiated with radiation emitted by a radioisotope source that is attached, or coated onto, the outside surface of the sample container. The radioisotope source may be Cesium-137, Am-241, or Tl-204, or combinations thereof.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.