Pollution potentials in interplanetary space

Members of several Commissions in the Planetary Systems Division of the International Astronomical Union have become increasingly concerned at the harmful potentials of a number of proposed space missions, particularly those intending to utilise either nuclear or kinetic energy disruption of comets and small asteroids. This concern has led to the establishment of a Working Group on the Prevention of Pollution in Interplanetary Space, which involves six IAU Commissions. The aim of the Working Group is to identify sensitive issues in the interplanetary environment and draw attention to the harmful consequences of ignoring them, rather than adopting a legalistic regulatory approach.