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Astrobiology studies of microbes in simulated interplanetary space

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Laboratory Astrophysics and Space Research

Part of the book series: Astrophysics and Space Science Library ((ASSL,volume 236))

Abstract

For laboratory studies on the responses of resistant life forms to simulated interplanetary space conditions, testbeds are available that simulate the parameters of space, such as vacuum, solar electromagnetic and cosmic ionizing radiation, temperature extremes and reduced gravity that can be applied separately, or in selected combinations. Appropriate biological test systems are extremophiles, i.e. microorganisms that are adapted to grow, or survive in extreme conditions of our biosphere. Examples are airborne microbes, endolithic or endoevaporitic microbial communities, or bacterial endospores. Such studies contribute to answer several questions pertinent to astrobiology, such as (i) the role of solar UV radiation in genetic stability, (ii) the role of gravity in basic biological functions, (iii) the probability and limits for interplanetary transfer of life, (iv) strategies of adaptation to environmental extremes, and (v) the needs for planetary protection.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology, DLR, D-51170, Cologne, Germany

    Gerda Horneck

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  1. Gerda Horneck
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Leiden Observatory, The Netherlands

    P. Ehrenfreund

  2. Academy of Sciences, Austria

    P. Ehrenfreund

  3. LPGP, Université Paris Sud, France

    C. Krafft

  4. DLR, Cologne, Germany

    H. Kochan

  5. University of Catania, Italy

    V. Pirronello

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Horneck, G. (1999). Astrobiology studies of microbes in simulated interplanetary space. In: Ehrenfreund, P., Krafft, C., Kochan, H., Pirronello, V. (eds) Laboratory Astrophysics and Space Research. Astrophysics and Space Science Library, vol 236. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4728-6_26

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4728-6_26

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