Ecology of Micro-organisms in a Small Closed System: Potential Benefits and Problems for Space Station 891491
The probable sources and implications of microbial contamination on the proposed space station are discussed. Because of the limited availability of material, facilities and time on the space station, we are exploring the feasibility of replacing traditional incubation methods for assessing microbial contamination with rapid, automated methods. Some possibilities include: ATP measurement, microscopy and telecommunications, and molecular techniques such as DNA probes or monoclonal antibodies. Some of the important ecological factors that could alter microbes in space include microgravity, exposure to radiation, and antibiotic resistance.
Citation: Rodgers, E., Seale, D., Boraas, M., and Sommer, C., "Ecology of Micro-organisms in a Small Closed System: Potential Benefits and Problems for Space Station," SAE Technical Paper 891491, 1989, https://doi.org/10.4271/891491. Download Citation
Author(s):
E. B. Rodgers, D. B. Seale, M. E. Boraas, C. V. Sommer
Affiliated:
Materials and Processes Laboratory, George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, NASA, Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Great Lakes Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Pages: 12
Event:
Intersociety Conference on Environmental Systems
ISSN:
0148-7191
e-ISSN:
2688-3627
Related Topics:
Spacecraft
Microscopy
Radiation
Microgravity
Biological sciences
Telecommunications
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