HELP: Bioburden Density Estimation Tool
A Robust Tool for Bioburden Density Assessment in Space Exploration
The Hierarchical Bayesian Estimation code serves as an advanced tool within NASA’s Planetary Protection Bioburden Assessment Tool, designed to estimate bioburden density and the total number of colony-forming units. By utilizing Bayes' theorem, this software calculates the probabilities of events based on prior knowledge, enabling the determination of posterior probabilities as new information becomes available.
This tool is essential for performing Probabilistic Risk Assessments (PRAs) related to various space missions, including those targeting potentially habitable environments like Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons. The software allows researchers and engineers to incorporate prior probabilities and adapt their assessments as new data is gathered, leading to more informed decision-making in planetary protection efforts. By effectively estimating bioburden risks, the Hierarchical Bayesian Estimation code enhances the ability to ensure the integrity of extraterrestrial environments during exploration missions, contributing to the overall safety of space exploration initiatives.
This software is available through INL's GitHub repository found here: https://github.com/idaholab/HELP