It’s Time to Protect Ourselves from Space Germs

As missions take us deeper into space, are we prepared for what we might bring back?

In this artist’s concept of the future, an astronaut gathers samples on the surface of Mars, while a robotic explorer stands by to help. Nasa’s Vision for Space Exploration calls for more aggressive human and robotic missions. Image: SSPL/Getty Images

With eyes as starry as the skies, we look to space and wonder, “Are we alone?” It’s a very human question, one that’s based in science as well as philosophy, fiction, and fantasy. It’s also a question we may soon have the answer to. Space…