With a new probabilistic technique for sampling interstellar object (ISO) orbits with high efficiency, we assess the observability of ISOs under a realistic cadence for the upcoming Vera Rubin Observatory’s […]
Panspermia
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astronomy & Telescopes, Comets and Asteroids, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Gas Giants, Interstellar, Panspermia, Status Report
Configuration of Single Giant Planet Systems Generating `Oumuamua-Like Interstellar Asteroids
The first discovered interstellar small object, `Oumuamua (1I/2017 U1), presents unique physical properties of extremely elongated geometric shape and dual characteristics of an asteroid and a comet.
Posted inAlpha Centauri, Comets and Asteroids, Interstellar, Meteorites & Asteroids, Panspermia, Press Release
A Case Study of Interstellar Material Delivery: Alpha Centauri
Interstellar material has been discovered in our Solar System, yet its origins and details of its transport are unknown. Here we present α Centauri as a case study of the […]
Posted inAway Teams & Field Reports, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Microbiology & Virology, Microgravity, Panspermia, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Radiation, Space Life Science, Space Stations, Status Report
Astronauts Swab The Space Station’s Exterior For Microbes (Update)
UPDATE: Astronaut Suni Williams conducted this EVA on 30 January 2025. Earlier post: Astronauts are scheduled to venture outside the International Space Station to collect microbiological samples during crew spacewalks […]
Posted inGenomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Missions & Hardware, Panspermia, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, Sample Return, Status Report
Unveiling Hidden Microbial Diversity in Mars 2020 Mission Assembly Cleanrooms with Molecular Insights into the Persistent and Perseverance of Novel Species Defying Metagenome Sequencing
Due to strict cleaning procedures and nutrient-scarce conditions, aerospace industrial cleanrooms – which are essential for assembling space mission components – contain low microbial burdens but are tough to eradicate.
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Mars, Missions & Hardware, Panspermia, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, Sample Return, Status Report
Mars Sample Return: From Collection To Curation Of Samples From A Habitable World
NASA’s Mars 2020 mission has initiated collection of samples from Mars’ Jezero Crater, which has a wide range of ancient rocks and rock types from lavas to lacustrine sedimentary rocks. […]
Posted inGenomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Mars, Microbiology & Virology, Missions & Hardware, Panspermia, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Status Report
Whole-genome Sequencing Of Paenibacillus Phoenicis Isolated from the Phoenix Mars Lander Spacecraft Assembly Facility
The genome of Paenibacillus phoenicis, a spore-forming bacterium isolated from the spacecraft assembly facility of the Phoenix mission, was generated via hybrid assembly by merging short and long reads. Examining […]
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Microbiology & Virology, Microgravity, Missions & Hardware, Panspermia, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Radiation, Status Report
Synergistic Interactions Among Vacuum, Solar Heating, and UV Irradiation Enhance the Lethality of Interplanetary Space
A Planetary Atmospheric Chamber (PAC) was used to create simulations of interplanetary conditions to test the spore survival of three Bacillus spp. exposed to interacting conditions of vacuum (VAC), simulated […]
Posted inBiophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Meteorites & Asteroids, Microbiology & Virology, Panspermia, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Status Report
Survival and Transfer of Microorganisms Beyond the Earth: To What Extent are Microorganisms Tolerant to External Influences?
The study of microorganism tolerance to extreme influences is an integral part of astrobiology.
Posted inBiophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Panspermia, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Radiation, Space Stations, Status Report
Offworld Environment Testing: The Euro Material Ageing Experiment
Nothing is entirely immune to the harsh environment of space. Out there, materials and organisms degrade at a faster pace and in different ways. To understand how materials age beyond […]