As human space exploration expands to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, there is a growing need to study the effects of altered gravity on the microbial systems that we will […]
Life Support Systems
Posted inAstropharmacy / Biotechnology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Gravitational Biology, Life Support Systems, Microbiology & Virology, Microgravity, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Status Report
ExocubeBio: An In-situ Fluidic Platform For Microbial Exposure On The International Space Station
Space-based platforms currently represent the most accurate means to experimentally assess the influence of the space environment on biological systems. However, performing such experiments remains technically challenging and requires highly […]
Posted inAnalog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Cryobiology, Dale Andersen's Field Reports, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Life Support Systems, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, People Of Astrobiology, Polar / Alpine Expeditions, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Dale Andersen’s Astrobiology Antarctic Status Report 16 March 2026: Spring Field Season Completed; Preparing The Fall Field Season
Hi Keith, The team and I have been home for about two weeks now, settling back into the familiar rhythms of home and work after our time in Antarctica. Our […]
Posted inAnalog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Cryobiology, Dale Andersen's Field Reports, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Life Support Systems, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Microbiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Sample Return, Tricorders & Sensors, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Antarctica’s Untersee – A Most Unusual Lake
Scientists estimate that Earth is home to more than 100 million lakes. Among the most unusual is Lake Untersee, one of Antarctica’s largest and deepest surface lakes, known for its […]
Posted inAway Teams & Field Reports, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Education and Outreach, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Life Support Systems, Missions & Hardware, People Of Astrobiology, Press Release, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Tricorders & Sensors, Video, Audio, Webcasts, Podcasts, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Ocean Planet Recon: ASU Expedition Finds An Aquatic World Teeming With Life
Imagine descending nearly a mile and a half into a watery abyss, watching the sunlight disappear as the world around you turns completely black. Then suddenly, you find yourself surrounded […]
Posted inAstronauts and Explorers, Astropharmacy / Biotechnology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Life Support Systems, Microbiology & Virology, Microgravity, Sample Return, Space Life Science, Status Report
Offworld Biology: Processing Microbe Samples Inside The Microgravity Science Glovebox
NASA astronaut and Expedition 74 Flight Engineer Chris Williams processes microbe samples inside the Destiny laboratory module’s Microgravity Science Glovebox aboard the International Space Station.
Posted inAI - Data - Apps - Cybernetics, Astropharmacy / Biotechnology, Commercial & Private Sector, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Life Support Systems, Microbiology & Virology, Microgravity, Press Release, Sample Return, Space Life Science, Space Physiology & Medicine, Space Stations
Rethinking The Microbial Future of Space Travel
University of Houston microbiologist Madhan Tirumalai is part of NASA’s Analysis Working Groups (AWG) and co-author of a review paper published Jan. 22 in npj Biofilms Microbiomes. The group’s microbes […]
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Cryobiology, Desert Worlds, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Life Support Systems, Mars, Microbiology & Virology, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Space Agriculture, Space Life Science, Status Report, Terraforming & Geoengineering
Short-term Survival Of Tardigrades In Martian Regolith Simulants
With future intended human missions to Mars, it is crucial to understand the potential habitability of martian regolith both to support plant growth and to mitigate accidental release of organisms […]
Posted inExploration Gear & Tech, Life Support Systems, Mars, Moon, Space Agriculture, Status Report, Terraforming & Geoengineering
Agent Mars: Multi-Agent Simulation for Multi-Planetary Life Exploration and Settlement
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed robotics, healthcare, industry, and scientific discovery, yet a major frontier may lie beyond Earth. Space exploration and settlement offer vast environments and resources, but impose […]
Posted inAnalog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Cryobiology, Dale Andersen's Field Reports, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Life Support Systems, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Origin & Evolution of Life, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Polar / Alpine Expeditions, Sample Return, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Dale Andersen’s Astrobiology Antarctic Status Report: 19 February 2026: Return Overland Traverse From Lake Untersee
Dale: Arrived UAL airbase about 2:45 on UTC/GMT after a 5 hr 45 min drive across the polar landscape! Very windy morning but great ride back!