• Question: Do you sterilize space probes and satellites, and if yes how is it done?

    Asked by Elena Starlight to Ben, Lizzie, Francis, Max, Sian on 13 Mar 2018.
    • Photo: Ben Mulhearn

      Ben Mulhearn answered on 13 Mar 2018:

      I’m afraid I have no idea. Although, sterilizing something so there are ZERO bugs on it is very difficult, expecially the size of a spacecraft (because microboes are everywhere), and I’m not sure it would be neccessary.

    • Photo: Francis Man

      Francis Man answered on 13 Mar 2018:

      Once way to sterilize equipment is to expose it to UV and gamma radiation. I don’t work with satellites so I don’t know for sure, but I suspect that is a commonly used method.
      A lot of work with electronics is done is completely dust-free room, which have special ventilation system fitted, and I would imagine those are used for satellite parts too.

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