Developing Technologies for Biological Experiments in Deep Space

Abstract

In light of an upcoming series of missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) through NASA’s Artemis program and the potential establishment of bases on the Moon and Mars, the effects of the deep space environment on biology need to be examined and protective countermeasures need to be developed. Even though many biological experiments have been performed in space since the 1960s, most of them have occurred in LEO and for only short periods of time. These LEO missions have studied many biological phenomena in a variety of model organisms, as well as utilized a broad range of technologies. Given the constraints of the deep space environment, however, future deep space biological missions will be limited to microbial organisms using miniaturized technologies. Small satellites like CubeSats are capable of querying relevant space environments using novel instruments and biosensors. CubeSats also provide a low-cost alternative to more complex and larger missions, and require minimal crew support, if any. Several have been deployed in LEO, but the next iteration of biological CubeSats will go farther. BioSentinel will be the first interplanetary CubeSat and the first biological study NASA has sent beyond Earth’s magnetosphere in 50 years. BioSentinel is an autonomous free-flyer platform able to support biology and to investigate the effects of radiation on a model organism in interplanetary deep space. The BioSensor payload contained within the free-flyer is also an adaptable instrument that can perform biologically relevant measurements with different microorganisms and in multiple space environments, including the ISS, lunar gateway, and on the surface of the Moon. Nanosatellites like BioSentinel can be used to study the effects of both reduced gravity and space radiation and can house different organisms or biosensors to answer specific scientific questions. Utilizing these biosensors will allow us to better understand the effects of the space environment on biology so humanity may return safely to deep space and venture farther than ever before.

Biomedical payloads: A maturing application for CubeSats

“…The ISS now supports several modern facilities for miniaturized and often partially-autonomous biomedical study [1], [60], [61]. WetLab-2 features a quantitative PCR system, the MinION is a portable DNA sequencer, and RAZOR EX and MiDASS are capable of in-situ, near-real-time environmental monitoring through PCR and nucleic acid analysis respectively; all having been adapted from Earth based COTS instruments [1].…”

“…Current technology, in both its evolutionary and revolutionary capacities, dampens the complexity of the instruments flown so far, although there is a push for more advanced instruments to support studies in space [1], [65]. Keeping pace with what the scientific community plans is crucial to future-proofing CubeSats as viable laboratory tools; scientifically compatible with those from more mature platforms [60], [61], [66], [67].…”

Nanosatellite Payload for Research on Seed Germination in a 3D Printed Micropot

“…Nanosatellites are a low cost and a relatively easily available alternative for microgravity and deep space experiments, in comparison to traditional satellite missions or International Space Station (ISS) facilities. Due to the planned potential establishment of bases on the Moon or Mars, the effects of microgravity and deep space environments on biology need to be examined [ 3 ].…”