Geobacillus stearothermophilus Archives - Astrobiology

Coupon arrangements within the Planetary Atmosphere Chamber (PAC) during low-Mars-orbit (LMO) simulations. (A) The coupons for Exp-1 and Exp-2 were held inside sterile polystyrene petri dishes and placed in the central part of the UV beam within the PAC. (B) To enhance thermal cooling of coupons in Exp-3, coupons were placed directly on the upper surface of the stainless-steel liquid nitrogen (LN2) control plate. Exp-3 compared survival rates for two species on UV-exposed aluminum coupons and doped coupons covered by the Mojave Mars Simulant (MMS) filters (see text). The coupon temperatures were estimated by comparing four thermocouples (TC) placed left-to-right within the UV beam. -- Microorganisms via PubMed

Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exploration Gear & Tech, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Habitable Zones, Microbiology & Virology, Missions & Hardware, Panspermia, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Status Report

Biocidal Conditions in Low-Mars-Orbit Can Inactivate Bioburden on External Mars Spacecraft Surfaces and Dust Particles Within a Few Sols

by Keith CowingJune 8, 2026June 8, 2026

Mars Sample Return Program planning includes a series of spacecraft staged both on the Martian surface and in low-Mars-orbit (LMO).

Broth testing setup for experiment 5 (left) and OD testing setup for broth (right). -- PNAS via PubMed

Microbiology & Virology, Missions & Hardware, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Radiation, Sample Return, Status Report

Active Plasma Sterilizer For Planetary Protection And Contamination Control For Space Missions

by Keith CowingJanuary 13, 2025January 12, 2025

This paper introduces a novel, compact plasma sterilization system, the Active Plasma Sterilizer (APS), for planetary protection space missions.