Exploring the Risk of Biocontamination with the Sample Transfer Arm for the Return of Martian Samples

This robotic arm is designed to return samples from Mars back to Earth
Is bio-contamination possible?

According to a press release published by the European Space Agency on Thursday, Jan. 26, it uses a robotic arm unique to Mars to return samples to Earth.

What is a ‘Sample Transfer Arm’?

ESA/YouTube.

The press release stated that \”the mission to return Martian soil samples back to Earth\” will see an European 2.5-meter robotic arm picking up tubes with precious Martian soil and transferring them to a launch for a historical interplanetary delivery.

Source:
https://interestingengineering.com/science/this-robotic-arm-will-help-return-martian-samples-back-to-earth