(«Planetary protection» is the term scientists commonly use for precautions to minimize the chance of biological contamination between worlds. (scientificamerican.com)
On Sept. 15, the Cassini spacecraft will destroy itself by burning up in Saturn's atmosphere in order to protect the ringed planet's moons from biological contamination by bacteria from Earth. (space.com)
Saturn Probe's Fate Carefully Considered: On Sept. 15, the Cassini spacecraft will destroy itself by burning up in Saturn's atmosphere in order to protect the ringed planet's moons from biological contamination by bacteria from Earth. (space.com)