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Astrobiology studies of microbes in simulated interplanetary space

  • Gerda Horneck
Chapter
Part of the Astrophysics and Space Science Library book series (ASSL, volume 236)

Abstract

For laboratory studies on the responses of resistant life forms to simulated interplanetary space conditions, testbeds are available that simulate the parameters of space, such as vacuum, solar electromagnetic and cosmic ionizing radiation, temperature extremes and reduced gravity that can be applied separately, or in selected combinations. Appropriate biological test systems are extremophiles, i.e. microorganisms that are adapted to grow, or survive in extreme conditions of our biosphere. Examples are airborne microbes, endolithic or endoevaporitic microbial communities, or bacterial endospores. Such studies contribute to answer several questions pertinent to astrobiology, such as (i) the role of solar UV radiation in genetic stability, (ii) the role of gravity in basic biological functions, (iii) the probability and limits for interplanetary transfer of life, (iv) strategies of adaptation to environmental extremes, and (v) the needs for planetary protection.

Keywords

Interplanetary Space Bacterial Spore Matic Phase Change Subtilis Spore Bacillus Subtilis Spore 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 1999

Authors and Affiliations

  • Gerda Horneck
    • 1
  1. 1.Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation BiologyDLRCologneGermany

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