NASA adheres to planetary protection procedures and requirements. For MSL... "Selected components were heated to temperatures ranging from 110 to 146 degrees

NASA adheres to planetary protection procedures and requirements. For MSL... "Selected components were heated to temperatures ranging from 110 to 146 degrees Celsius (230 to 295 degrees Fahrenheit) for durations up to 144 hours. Tools and other equipment that could come into contact with rover hardware were also cleaned routinely with alcohol wipes." More details here: http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/news/pdfs/MSL_Plan_Prot_FactSheet.pdf http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/news/pdfs/MSL_Plan_Prot_FactShe...