Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Bette Siegel is a leading researcher in planetary protection policy and science, with a focus on enabling safe and scientifically responsible human exploration of Mars. Her work sits at the critical intersection of astrobiology, mission planning, and biosafety, addressing one of space exploration's most complex challenges: how to protect both Mars and Earth as humanity prepares to send crewed missions beyond the Moon. Siegel's most influential contribution, "Planetary Protection Knowledge Gap Closure Enabling Crewed Missions to Mars" (2024, 19 citations), identifies and works to resolve the scientific uncertainties that must be addressed before astronauts can safely travel to the Red Planet. Her earlier work, "Planetary Protection Knowledge Gaps and Enabling Science for Human Mars Missions" (2021, 11 citations), helped establish the research agenda for this effort, while her 2016 collaboration with NASA's Office of Planetary Protection laid foundational groundwork for translating policy principles into actionable mission requirements. Through her sustained contributions to NASA's planetary protection framework, Siegel has played an essential role in shaping how the agency balances bold human exploration ambitions with rigorous scientific and environmental stewardship — work that will directly influence the first human missions to Mars.