The EXO-UV program is an international, interdisciplinary collaboration between astrophysicists and biologists aimed at expanding the characterization of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) environments on exoplanets.
Radiation
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Fossils & Paleontology, Impact events, Interstellar, Press Release, Radiation, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Evidence Of An Ancient Cosmic Event Deep In Earth’s Oceans
Beryllium-10, a rare radioactive isotope produced by cosmic rays in the atmosphere, provides valuable insights into the Earth’s geological history.
Posted inMicrogravity, Missions & Hardware, Press Release, Radiation, Space Life Science
SSPACE Astrobiology Payload-1 (SAP-1)
The SSPACE Astrobiology Payload (SAP) series, starting with the SAP-1 project is designed to conduct in-situ microbiology experiments in low earth orbit. This payload series aims to understand the behaviour […]
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 inLife Support Systems, Microgravity, Plant Biology, Radiation, Space Agriculture, Space Life Science, Space Stations, Status Report
Simulated Deep Space Exposure on Seeds Utilizing the MISSE Flight Facility
The MISSE-Seed project was designed to investigate the effects of space exposure on seed quality and storage. The project tested the Multipurpose Materials International Space Station Experiment—Flight Facility (MISSE-FF) hardware […]
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Press Release, Radiation, Space Weather & Heliophysics, Stellar Cartography
Studying Wolf 359: Habitable Exoplanets Need To Be Prepared For Extreme Space Weather
Planets around other stars need to be prepared for extreme weather conditions, according to a new study from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and ESA’s (European Space Agency’s) XMM-Newton that examined […]
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 inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Radiation, Space Weather & Heliophysics, Status Report, Stellar Cartography
X-ray Activity Of Nearby G-, K-, And M-type Stars And Implications for Planet Habitability Around M stars
Context. The intense X-ray and UV emission of some active M stars has raised questions about the habitability of planets around M-type stars. Aims. We aim to determine the unbiased […]
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 […]
Posted inMicrobiology & Virology, Missions & Hardware, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Radiation, Sample Return, Status Report
Active Plasma Sterilizer For Planetary Protection And Contamination Control For Space Missions
This paper introduces a novel, compact plasma sterilization system, the Active Plasma Sterilizer (APS), for planetary protection space missions.