Exploring the Unknown: Selected Documents in ... - The Black Vault

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Project Apollo: Americans to the Moon
Appendix
Minority Views
Dr Frank Favorite, Space Science Board
National Academy of Sciences 2101 Constitution Ave Was/DC
I disagree with continuation of lunar quarantine procedure. I recommend a
post-flight isolation of one week for astronauts followed by surveillance of two
months or longer. Samples should be contained in aseptic manner and released if
biological testing proves negative after three weeks. Investigation should be made
in depth, using expert consultants, of the plant stimulation and microbial toxicity
test. Research on the survival of micro-organisms in lunar environment should be
conducted as soon as possible. Better methods for detection of organisms should
be investigated, especially direct methods with electron microscopy.
John Spizizen, Scripps Clinic
Harvard Medical School – Peter Bent Brigham Hospital
February 24, 1970
Memorandum for: Dr. Allan H. Brown, Chairman, ad hoc Committee of
the Space Science Board in lunar quarantine, National
Academy of Sciences
From:
Gustave J. Dammin, M.D., member, ad hoc, Committee
1. The recommendations pertaining to “Lunar Samples” and “Biological
Testing Program” contained in the “Summary of Finding and Major
Recommendations” of the report of the ad hoc Committee, I concur in.
However, I wish to dissent from the recommendation which calls for the
continuance of the 3-week lunar quarantine procedure with reference to
Apollo 13. The evidence gathered before, and the evidence presented at
our meeting Feb. 17, was not sufficient in my evaluation to establish a basis
for suspecting lunar samples might contain agents that would be inimical to
man, animals or plants.
2. I would recommend, with reference to study of the astronauts, a period
of isolation following return to earth during which specimens could be
collected for such purposes as determining possible changes in flora, and
the like. Conceivably no more than 3-4 days might be needed, depending
upon the details of the protocol.
3. The experience gained with the 21-day quarantine procedure for Apollo
11 and 12 is indeed valuable. It will be helpful in planning the quarantine