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2. Biosignature stability in space enables their use for life detection on Mars

Author

Baqué, Mickael, primary, Backhaus, Theresa, additional, Meeßen, Joachim, additional, Hanke, Franziska, additional, Böttger, Ute, additional, Ramkissoon, Nisha, additional, Olsson-Francis, Karen, additional, Baumgärtner, Michael, additional, Billi, Daniela, additional, Cassaro, Alessia, additional, de la Torre Noetzel, Rosa, additional, Demets, René, additional, Edwards, Howell, additional, Ehrenfreund, Pascale, additional, Elsaesser, Andreas, additional, Foing, Bernard, additional, Foucher, Frédéric, additional, Huwe, Björn, additional, Joshi, Jasmin, additional, Kozyrovska, Natalia, additional, Lasch, Peter, additional, Lee, Natuschka, additional, Leuko, Stefan, additional, Onofri, Silvano, additional, Ott, Sieglinde, additional, Pacelli, Claudia, additional, Rabbow, Elke, additional, Rothschild, Lynn, additional, Schulze-Makuch, Dirk, additional, Selbmann, Laura, additional, Serrano, Paloma, additional, Szewzyk, Ulrich, additional, Verseux, Cyprien, additional, Wagner, Dirk, additional, Westall, Frances, additional, Zucconi, Laura, additional, and de Vera, Jean-Pierre P., additional

Published
2022
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3. Biosignature stability in space enables their use for life detection on Mars

Author

Baqué, Mickael, Backhaus, Theresa, Meeßen, Joachim, Hanke, Franziska, Böttger, Ute, Ramkissoon, Nisha, Olsson-Francis, Karen, Baumgärtner, Michael, Billi, Daniela, Cassaro, Alessia, de la Torre Noetzel, Rosa, Demets, René, Edwards, Howell, Ehrenfreund, Pascale, Elsaesser, Andreas, Foing, Bernard, Foucher, Frédéric, Huwe, Björn, Joshi, Jasmin, Kozyrovska, Natalia, Lasch, Peter, Lee, Natuschka, Leuko, Stefan, Onofri, Silvano, Ott, Sieglinde, Pacelli, Claudia, Rabbow, Elke, Rothschild, Lynn, Schulze-Makuch, Dirk, Selbmann, Laura, Serrano, Paloma, Szewzyk, Ulrich, Verseux, Cyprien, Wagner, Dirk, Westall, Frances, Zucconi, Laura, de Vera, Jean-Pierre P, Baqué, Mickael, Backhaus, Theresa, Meeßen, Joachim, Hanke, Franziska, Böttger, Ute, Ramkissoon, Nisha, Olsson-Francis, Karen, Baumgärtner, Michael, Billi, Daniela, Cassaro, Alessia, de la Torre Noetzel, Rosa, Demets, René, Edwards, Howell, Ehrenfreund, Pascale, Elsaesser, Andreas, Foing, Bernard, Foucher, Frédéric, Huwe, Björn, Joshi, Jasmin, Kozyrovska, Natalia, Lasch, Peter, Lee, Natuschka, Leuko, Stefan, Onofri, Silvano, Ott, Sieglinde, Pacelli, Claudia, Rabbow, Elke, Rothschild, Lynn, Schulze-Makuch, Dirk, Selbmann, Laura, Serrano, Paloma, Szewzyk, Ulrich, Verseux, Cyprien, Wagner, Dirk, Westall, Frances, Zucconi, Laura, and de Vera, Jean-Pierre P

Abstract

Two rover missions to Mars aim to detect biomolecules as a sign of extinct or extant life with, among other instruments, Raman spectrometers. However, there are many unknowns about the stability of Raman-detectable biomolecules in the martian environment, clouding the interpretation of the results. To quantify Raman-detectable biomolecule stability, we exposed seven biomolecules for 469 days to a simulated martian environment outside the International Space Station. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) strongly changed the Raman spectra signals, but only minor change was observed when samples were shielded from UVR. These findings provide support for Mars mission operations searching for biosignatures in the subsurface. This experiment demonstrates the detectability of biomolecules by Raman spectroscopy in Mars regolith analogs after space exposure and lays the groundwork for a consolidated space-proven database of spectroscopy biosignatures in targeted environments.

Published
2022
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4. Lichen Vitality After a Space Flight on Board the EXPOSE-R2 Facility Outside the International Space Station: Results of the Biology and Mars Experiment

Author

Ortega García, M. V. [0000-0002-6948-9591], Miller, A. Z. [0000-0002-0553-8470], De la Torre Noetzel, R., Ortega García, M. V., Miller, A. Z., Bassy, Olga, Granja, Carmen, Cubero, Beatriz, Jordão, L., Martínez-Frías, J., Rabbow, Elke, Backhaus, Theresa, Ott, Sieglinde, García Sancho, Leopoldo, Vera, Jean-Pierre de, Ortega García, M. V. [0000-0002-6948-9591], Miller, A. Z. [0000-0002-0553-8470], De la Torre Noetzel, R., Ortega García, M. V., Miller, A. Z., Bassy, Olga, Granja, Carmen, Cubero, Beatriz, Jordão, L., Martínez-Frías, J., Rabbow, Elke, Backhaus, Theresa, Ott, Sieglinde, García Sancho, Leopoldo, and Vera, Jean-Pierre de

Abstract

As part of the Biology and Mars Experiment (BIOMEX; ILSRA 2009-0834), samples of the lichen Circinaria gyrosa were placed on the exposure platform EXPOSE-R2, on the International Space Station (ISS) and exposed to space and to a Mars-simulated environment for 18 months (2014–2016) to study: (1) resistance to space and Mars-like conditions and (2) biomarkers for use in future space missions (Exo-Mars). When the experiment returned (June 2016), initial analysis showed rapid recovery of photosystem II activity in the samples exposed exclusively to space vacuum and a Mars-like atmosphere. Significantly reduced recovery levels were observed in Sun-exposed samples, and electron and fluorescence microscopy (transmission electron microscope and field emission scanning electron microscope) data indicated that this was attributable to the combined effects of space radiation and space vacuum, as unirradiated samples exhibited less marked morphological changes compared with Sun-exposed samples. Polymerase chain reaction analyses confirmed that there was DNA damage in lichen exposed to harsh space and Mars-like environmental conditions, with ultraviolet radiation combined with space vacuum causing the most damage. These findings contribute to the characterization of space- and Mars-resistant organisms that are relevant to Mars habitability.

Published
2020

5. Lichen Vitality After a Space Flight on Board the EXPOSE-R2 Facility Outside the International Space Station: Results of the Biology and Mars Experiment

Author

de la Torre Noetzel, Rosa, primary, Ortega García, Maria Victoria, additional, Miller, Ana Zélia, additional, Bassy, Olga, additional, Granja, Carmen, additional, Cubero, Beatriz, additional, Jordão, Luisa, additional, Martínez Frías, Jesús, additional, Rabbow, Elke, additional, Backhaus, Theresa, additional, Ott, Sieglinde, additional, García Sancho, Leopoldo, additional, and de Vera, Jean-Pierre Paul, additional

Published
2020
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7. Limits of Life and the Habitability of Mars : The ESA Space Experiment BIOMEX on the ISS

Author

de Vera, Jean-Pierre, Alawi, Mashal, Backhaus, Theresa, Baqué, Mickael, Billi, Daniela, Böttger, Ute, Berger, Thomas, Bohmeier, Maria, Cockell, Charles, Demets, René, de la Torre Noetzel, Rosa, Edwards, Howell, Elsaesser, Andreas, Fagliarone, Claudia, Fiedler, Annelie, Foing, Bernard, Foucher, Frédéric, Fritz, Jörg, Hanke, Franziska, Herzog, Thomas, Horneck, Gerda, Hübers, Heinz-Wilhelm, Huwe, Björn, Joshi, Jasmin, Kozyrovska, Natalia, Kruchten, Martha, Lasch, Peter, Lee, Natuschka, Leuko, Stefan, Leya, Thomas, Lorek, Andreas, Martínez-Frías, Jesús, Meessen, Joachim, Moritz, Sophie, Moeller, Ralf, Olsson-Francis, Karen, Onofri, Silvano, Ott, Sieglinde, Pacelli, Claudia, Podolich, Olga, Rabbow, Elke, Reitz, Günther, Rettberg, Petra, Reva, Oleg, Rothschild, Lynn, Sancho, Leo Garcia, Schulze-Makuch, Dirk, Selbmann, Laura, Serrano, Paloma, Szewzyk, Ulrich, Verseux, Cyprien, Wadsworth, Jennifer, Wagner, Dirk, Westall, Frances, Wolter, David, Zucconi, Laura, DLR Institut für Planetenforschung, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt [Berlin] (DLR), Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron [Pôle Chimie Balard] (IBMM), Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier (ENSCM)-Institut de Chimie du CNRS (INC)-Université de Montpellier (UM)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata [Roma], Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt [Köln] (DLR), SUPA School of Physics and Astronomy [Edinburgh], University of Edinburgh, European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), European Space Agency (ESA), Earth Observation, Remote Sensing and Atmosphere Department, INTA, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Universiteit Leiden [Leiden], Centre de biophysique moléculaire (CBM), Université d'Orléans (UO)-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Institut de Chimie du CNRS (INC), Saalbau Weltraum Projekt, DLR Institut für Luft- und Raumfahrtmedizin, Universität Potsdam, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU), Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering [Sulzbach] (Fraunhofer IBMT), Fraunhofer (Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft), Centro de Astrobiologia [Madrid] (CAB), Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA)-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas [Madrid] (CSIC), Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf = Heinrich Heine University [Düsseldorf], The Open University [Milton Keynes] (OU), Università degli studi della Tuscia [Viterbo], NASA Ames Research Center (ARC), Joint Center for Structural Genomics (JCSG), Stanford University, Technische Universität Berlin (TU), Publica, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, German Centre for Air and Space Travel, Helmholtz Association, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (España), and National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

Subjects
BIOMEX, Weltrauminstrumente, Extraterrestrial Environment, Lichens, Ultraviolet Rays, Settore BIO/01, Habitability, Mars, Cyanobacteria, EXPOSE-R2—BIOMEX—Habitability—Limits of life—Extremophiles—Mars, Strahlenbiologie, Extremophiles, Astronomi, astrofysik och kosmologi, ddc:570, Exobiology, Marchantia, Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology, ddc:610, Limits of life, EXPOSE-R2, Introduction, Minerals, Leitungsbereich PF, [SDU]Sciences of the Universe [physics], Biofilms, Methanosarcina, ddc:520, Deinococcus, 610 Medizin und Gesundheit
Abstract

BIOMEX (BIOlogy and Mars EXperiment) is an ESA/Roscosmos space exposure experiment housed within the exposure facility EXPOSE-R2 outside the Zvezda module on the International Space Station (ISS). The design of the multiuser facility supports—among others—the BIOMEX investigations into the stability and level of degradation of space-exposed biosignatures such as pigments, secondary metabolites, and cell surfaces in contact with a terrestrial and Mars analog mineral environment. In parallel, analysis on the viability of the investigated organisms has provided relevant data for evaluation of the habitability of Mars, for the limits of life, and for the likelihood of an interplanetary transfer of life (theory of lithopanspermia). In this project, lichens, archaea, bacteria, cyanobacteria, snow/permafrost algae, meristematic black fungi, and bryophytes from alpine and polar habitats were embedded, grown, and cultured on a mixture of martian and lunar regolith analogs or other terrestrial minerals. The organisms and regolith analogs and terrestrial mineral mixtures were then exposed to space and to simulated Mars-like conditions by way of the EXPOSE-R2 facility. In this special issue, we present the first set of data obtained in reference to our investigation into the habitability of Mars and limits of life. This project was initiated and implemented by the BIOMEX group, an international and interdisciplinary consortium of 30 institutes in 12 countries on 3 continents. Preflight tests for sample selection, results from ground-based simulation experiments, and the space experiments themselves are presented and include a complete overview of the scientific processes required for this space experiment and postflight analysis. The presented BIOMEX concept could be scaled up to future exposure experiments on the Moon and will serve as a pretest in low Earth orbit., This research was supported by the Italian Space Agency (ASI grant BIOMEX Cyano 051-R.0 to D.B., ASI grant BIOMEX MicroColonial Fungi 063-R.0 to S.O.); the German Aerospace Center (DLR-grants: Department of Infrastructure and Management, Astrobiology Laboratories through a grant DLR-FuW-Project BIOMEX (2474128)/ Department of Radiation Biology supported by the grant DLR-FuE-Projekt ISS LIFE, Programm RF-FuW, Teilprogramm 475); the German Helmholtz Association through the Helmholtz-Alliance ‘‘Planetary Evolution and Life’’; the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (MINECO, project SUBLIMAS ‘‘SUrvival of Bacteria and LIchens on Mars Analogs and Space,’’ ESP2015- 69810-R, 2015, to R. de la Torre, and project ‘‘CTM2015- 64728-C2-1-R’’ to L.G. Sancho); and the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (grant 47/2017).

Published
2019
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8. Limits of life and the habitability of Mars: The ESA space experiment BIOMEX on the ISS

Author

Vera, Jean-Pierre De, Elsaesser, Andreas, Alawi, Mashal, Backhaus, Theresa, Baqué, Mickael, Billi, Daniela, Böttger, Ute, Berger, Thomas, Bohmeier, Maria, and Cockell, Charles [U.V.M.]

Subjects
BIOMEX, habitability, limits of life, 500 Naturwissenschaften und Mathematik::530 Physik::530 Physik, Mars, extremophiles, EXPOSE-R2
Abstract

BIOMEX (BIOlogy and Mars EXperiment) is an ESA/Roscosmos space exposure experiment housed within the exposure facility EXPOSE-R2 outside the Zvezda module on the International Space Station (ISS). The design of the multiuser facility supports—among others—the BIOMEX investigations into the stability and level of degradation of space-exposed biosignatures such as pigments, secondary metabolites, and cell surfaces in contact with a terrestrial and Mars analog mineral environment. In parallel, analysis on the viability of the investigated organisms has provided relevant data for evaluation of the habitability of Mars, for the limits of life, and for the likelihood of an interplanetary transfer of life (theory of lithopanspermia). In this project, lichens, archaea, bacteria, cyanobacteria, snow/permafrost algae, meristematic black fungi, and bryophytes from alpine and polar habitats were embedded, grown, and cultured on a mixture of martian and lunar regolith analogs or other terrestrial minerals. The organisms and regolith analogs and terrestrial mineral mixtures were then exposed to space and to simulated Mars-like conditions by way of the EXPOSE-R2 facility. In this special issue, we present the first set of data obtained in reference to our investigation into the habitability of Mars and limits of life. This project was initiated and implemented by the BIOMEX group, an international and interdisciplinary consortium of 30 institutes in 12 countries on 3 continents. Preflight tests for sample selection, results from ground-based simulation experiments, and the space experiments themselves are presented and include a complete overview of the scientific processes required for this space experiment and postflight analysis. The presented BIOMEX concept could be scaled up to future exposure experiments on the Moon and will serve as a pretest in low Earth orbit.

Published
2019
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9. Limits of Life and the Habitability of Mars: The ESA Space Experiment BIOMEX on the ISS

Author

Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, German Centre for Air and Space Travel, Helmholtz Association, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (España), National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Vera, Jean-Pierre de, Alawi, Mashal, Backhaus, Theresa, Baqué, Mickael, Billi, Daniela, Böttger, Ute, Berger, Thomas, Bohmeier, Maria, Cockell, Charles, Demets, René, De la Torre Noetzel, R., Edwards, H. G. M., Elsaesser, Andreas, Fagliarone, Claudia, Fiedler, Annelie, Foing, Bernard, Foucher, Frédéric, Fritz, Jörg, Hanke, Franziska, Herzog, Thomas, Horneck, Gerda, Hübers, Heinz-Wilhelm, Huwe, Björn, Joshi, Jasmin, Kozyrovska, Natalia, Kruchten, Martha, Lasch, Peter, Lee, Natuschka, Leuko, Stefan, Leya, Thomas, Lorek, Andreas, Martínez-Frías, J., Meessen, Joachim, Moritz, Sophie, Moeller, Ralf, Olsson-Francis, Karen, Onofri, Silvano, Ott, Sieglinde, Pacelli, Claudia, Podolich, Olga, Rabbow, Elke, Reitz, Güenther, Rettberg, Petra, Reva, Oleg, Rothschild, Lynn, García Sancho, Leopoldo, Schulze-Makuch, Dirk, Selbmann, Laura, Serrano, Paloma, Szewzyk, Ulrich, Verseux, Cyprien, Wadsworth, J., Wagner, Dirk, Westall, Frances, Wolter, David, Zucconi, Laura, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, German Centre for Air and Space Travel, Helmholtz Association, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (España), National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Vera, Jean-Pierre de, Alawi, Mashal, Backhaus, Theresa, Baqué, Mickael, Billi, Daniela, Böttger, Ute, Berger, Thomas, Bohmeier, Maria, Cockell, Charles, Demets, René, De la Torre Noetzel, R., Edwards, H. G. M., Elsaesser, Andreas, Fagliarone, Claudia, Fiedler, Annelie, Foing, Bernard, Foucher, Frédéric, Fritz, Jörg, Hanke, Franziska, Herzog, Thomas, Horneck, Gerda, Hübers, Heinz-Wilhelm, Huwe, Björn, Joshi, Jasmin, Kozyrovska, Natalia, Kruchten, Martha, Lasch, Peter, Lee, Natuschka, Leuko, Stefan, Leya, Thomas, Lorek, Andreas, Martínez-Frías, J., Meessen, Joachim, Moritz, Sophie, Moeller, Ralf, Olsson-Francis, Karen, Onofri, Silvano, Ott, Sieglinde, Pacelli, Claudia, Podolich, Olga, Rabbow, Elke, Reitz, Güenther, Rettberg, Petra, Reva, Oleg, Rothschild, Lynn, García Sancho, Leopoldo, Schulze-Makuch, Dirk, Selbmann, Laura, Serrano, Paloma, Szewzyk, Ulrich, Verseux, Cyprien, Wadsworth, J., Wagner, Dirk, Westall, Frances, Wolter, David, and Zucconi, Laura

Abstract

BIOMEX (BIOlogy and Mars EXperiment) is an ESA/Roscosmos space exposure experiment housed within the exposure facility EXPOSE-R2 outside the Zvezda module on the International Space Station (ISS). The design of the multiuser facility supports—among others—the BIOMEX investigations into the stability and level of degradation of space-exposed biosignatures such as pigments, secondary metabolites, and cell surfaces in contact with a terrestrial and Mars analog mineral environment. In parallel, analysis on the viability of the investigated organisms has provided relevant data for evaluation of the habitability of Mars, for the limits of life, and for the likelihood of an interplanetary transfer of life (theory of lithopanspermia). In this project, lichens, archaea, bacteria, cyanobacteria, snow/permafrost algae, meristematic black fungi, and bryophytes from alpine and polar habitats were embedded, grown, and cultured on a mixture of martian and lunar regolith analogs or other terrestrial minerals. The organisms and regolith analogs and terrestrial mineral mixtures were then exposed to space and to simulated Mars-like conditions by way of the EXPOSE-R2 facility. In this special issue, we present the first set of data obtained in reference to our investigation into the habitability of Mars and limits of life. This project was initiated and implemented by the BIOMEX group, an international and interdisciplinary consortium of 30 institutes in 12 countries on 3 continents. Preflight tests for sample selection, results from ground-based simulation experiments, and the space experiments themselves are presented and include a complete overview of the scientific processes required for this space experiment and postflight analysis. The presented BIOMEX concept could be scaled up to future exposure experiments on the Moon and will serve as a pretest in low Earth orbit.

Published
2019

12. The Effect of High-Dose Ionizing Radiation on the Isolated Photobiont of the Astrobiological Model Lichen Circinaria gyrosa.

Author

Meeßen, Joachim, Backhaus, Theresa, Brandt, Annette, Raguse, Marina, Böttger, Ute, de Vera, Jean-Pierre, and de la Torre, Rosa

Subjects
*LICHEN physiology, *SYMBIOGENESIS, *PHYSIOLOGICAL effects of ionizing radiation, *ASTROBIOLOGY, *XANTHORIA, *PHOTOSYSTEMS
Abstract

Lichen symbioses between fungi and algae represent successful life strategies to colonize the most extreme terrestrial habitats. Consequently, space exposure and simulation experiments have demonstrated lichens' high capacity for survival, and thus, they have become models in astrobiological research with which to discern the limits and limitations of terrestrial life. In a series of ground-based irradiation experiments, the STARLIFE campaign investigated the resistance of astrobiological model organisms to galactic cosmic radiation, which is one of the lethal stressors of extraterrestrial environments. Since previous studies have identified that the alga is the more sensitive lichen symbiont, we chose the isolated photobiont Trebouxia sp. of the astrobiological model Circinaria gyrosa as a subject in the campaign. Therein, γ radiation was used to exemplify the deleterious effects of low linear energy transfer (LET) ionizing radiation at extremely high doses up to 113 kGy in the context of astrobiology. The effects were analyzed by chlorophyll a fluorescence of photosystem II (PSII), cultivation assays, live/dead staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and Raman laser spectroscopy (RLS). The results demonstrate dose-dependent impairment of photosynthesis, the cessation of cell proliferation, cellular damage, a decrease in metabolic activity, and degradation of photosynthetic pigments. While previous investigations on other extraterrestrial stressors have demonstrated a high potential of resistance, results of this study reveal the limits of photobiont resistance to ionizing radiation and characterize γ radiation-induced damages. This study also supports parallel STARLIFE studies on the lichens Circinaria gyrosa and Xanthoria elegans, both of which harbor a Trebouxia sp. photobiont. Key Words: Astrobiology-Gamma rays-Extremotolerance-Ionizing radiation-Lichens-Photobiont. Astrobiology 17, 154-162. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2017
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13. Limits of Life and the Habitability of Mars: The ESA Space Experiment BIOMEX on the ISS

Author

de Vera, Jean-Pierre, Alawi, Mashal, Backhaus, Theresa, Baqué, Mickael, Billi, Daniela, Böttger, Ute, Berger, Thomas, Bohmeier, Maria, Cockell, Charles, Demets, René, de la Torre Noetzel, Rosa, Edwards, Howell, Elsaesser, Andreas, Fagliarone, Claudia, Fiedler, Annelie, Foing, Bernard, Foucher, Frédéric, Fritz, Jörg, Hanke, Franziska, Herzog, Thomas, Horneck, Gerda, Hübers, Heinz-Wilhelm, Huwe, Björn, Joshi, Jasmin, Kozyrovska, Natalia, Kruchten, Martha, Lasch, Peter, Lee, Natuschka, Leuko, Stefan, Leya, Thomas, Lorek, Andreas, Martínez-Frías, Jesús, Meessen, Joachim, Moritz, Sophie, Moeller, Ralf, Olsson-Francis, Karen, Onofri, Silvano, Ott, Sieglinde, Pacelli, Claudia, Podolich, Olga, Rabbow, Elke, Reitz, Günther, Rettberg, Petra, Reva, Oleg, Rothschild, Lynn, Sancho, Leo Garcia, Schulze-Makuch, Dirk, Selbmann, Laura, Serrano, Paloma, Szewzyk, Ulrich, Verseux, Cyprien, Wadsworth, Jennifer, Wagner, Dirk, Westall, Frances, Wolter, David, Zucconi, Laura, de Vera, Jean-Pierre, Alawi, Mashal, Backhaus, Theresa, Baqué, Mickael, Billi, Daniela, Böttger, Ute, Berger, Thomas, Bohmeier, Maria, Cockell, Charles, Demets, René, de la Torre Noetzel, Rosa, Edwards, Howell, Elsaesser, Andreas, Fagliarone, Claudia, Fiedler, Annelie, Foing, Bernard, Foucher, Frédéric, Fritz, Jörg, Hanke, Franziska, Herzog, Thomas, Horneck, Gerda, Hübers, Heinz-Wilhelm, Huwe, Björn, Joshi, Jasmin, Kozyrovska, Natalia, Kruchten, Martha, Lasch, Peter, Lee, Natuschka, Leuko, Stefan, Leya, Thomas, Lorek, Andreas, Martínez-Frías, Jesús, Meessen, Joachim, Moritz, Sophie, Moeller, Ralf, Olsson-Francis, Karen, Onofri, Silvano, Ott, Sieglinde, Pacelli, Claudia, Podolich, Olga, Rabbow, Elke, Reitz, Günther, Rettberg, Petra, Reva, Oleg, Rothschild, Lynn, Sancho, Leo Garcia, Schulze-Makuch, Dirk, Selbmann, Laura, Serrano, Paloma, Szewzyk, Ulrich, Verseux, Cyprien, Wadsworth, Jennifer, Wagner, Dirk, Westall, Frances, Wolter, David, and Zucconi, Laura

Abstract

BIOMEX (BIOlogy and Mars EXperiment) is an ESA/Roscosmos space exposure experiment housed within the exposure facility EXPOSE-R2 outside the Zvezda module on the International Space Station (ISS). The design of the multiuser facility supports—among others—the BIOMEX investigations into the stability and level of degradation of space-exposed biosignatures such as pigments, secondary metabolites, and cell surfaces in contact with a terrestrial and Mars analog mineral environment. In parallel, analysis on the viability of the investigated organisms has provided relevant data for evaluation of the habitability of Mars, for the limits of life, and for the likelihood of an interplanetary transfer of life (theory of lithopanspermia). In this project, lichens, archaea, bacteria, cyanobacteria, snow/permafrost algae, meristematic black fungi, and bryophytes from alpine and polar habitats were embedded, grown, and cultured on a mixture of martian and lunar regolith analogs or other terrestrial minerals. The organisms and regolith analogs and terrestrial mineral mixtures were then exposed to space and to simulated Mars-like conditions by way of the EXPOSE-R2 facility. In this special issue, we present the first set of data obtained in reference to our investigation into the habitability of Mars and limits of life. This project was initiated and implemented by the BIOMEX group, an international and interdisciplinary consortium of 30 institutes in 12 countries on 3 continents. Preflight tests for sample selection, results from ground-based simulation experiments, and the space experiments themselves are presented and include a complete overview of the scientific processes required for this space experiment and postflight analysis. The presented BIOMEX concept could be scaled up to future exposure experiments on the Moon and will serve as a pretest in low Earth orbit.

14. Limits of Life and the Habitability of Mars: The ESA Space Experiment BIOMEX on the ISS

Author

de Vera, Jean-Pierre, Alawi, Mashal, Backhaus, Theresa, Baqué, Mickael, Billi, Daniela, Böttger, Ute, Berger, Thomas, Bohmeier, Maria, Cockell, Charles, Demets, René, de la Torre Noetzel, Rosa, Edwards, Howell, Elsaesser, Andreas, Fagliarone, Claudia, Fiedler, Annelie, Foing, Bernard, Foucher, Frédéric, Fritz, Jörg, Hanke, Franziska, Herzog, Thomas, Horneck, Gerda, Hübers, Heinz-Wilhelm, Huwe, Björn, Joshi, Jasmin, Kozyrovska, Natalia, Kruchten, Martha, Lasch, Peter, Lee, Natuschka, Leuko, Stefan, Leya, Thomas, Lorek, Andreas, Martínez-Frías, Jesús, Meessen, Joachim, Moritz, Sophie, Moeller, Ralf, Olsson-Francis, Karen, Onofri, Silvano, Ott, Sieglinde, Pacelli, Claudia, Podolich, Olga, Rabbow, Elke, Reitz, Günther, Rettberg, Petra, Reva, Oleg, Rothschild, Lynn, Sancho, Leo Garcia, Schulze-Makuch, Dirk, Selbmann, Laura, Serrano, Paloma, Szewzyk, Ulrich, Verseux, Cyprien, Wadsworth, Jennifer, Wagner, Dirk, Westall, Frances, Wolter, David, Zucconi, Laura, de Vera, Jean-Pierre, Alawi, Mashal, Backhaus, Theresa, Baqué, Mickael, Billi, Daniela, Böttger, Ute, Berger, Thomas, Bohmeier, Maria, Cockell, Charles, Demets, René, de la Torre Noetzel, Rosa, Edwards, Howell, Elsaesser, Andreas, Fagliarone, Claudia, Fiedler, Annelie, Foing, Bernard, Foucher, Frédéric, Fritz, Jörg, Hanke, Franziska, Herzog, Thomas, Horneck, Gerda, Hübers, Heinz-Wilhelm, Huwe, Björn, Joshi, Jasmin, Kozyrovska, Natalia, Kruchten, Martha, Lasch, Peter, Lee, Natuschka, Leuko, Stefan, Leya, Thomas, Lorek, Andreas, Martínez-Frías, Jesús, Meessen, Joachim, Moritz, Sophie, Moeller, Ralf, Olsson-Francis, Karen, Onofri, Silvano, Ott, Sieglinde, Pacelli, Claudia, Podolich, Olga, Rabbow, Elke, Reitz, Günther, Rettberg, Petra, Reva, Oleg, Rothschild, Lynn, Sancho, Leo Garcia, Schulze-Makuch, Dirk, Selbmann, Laura, Serrano, Paloma, Szewzyk, Ulrich, Verseux, Cyprien, Wadsworth, Jennifer, Wagner, Dirk, Westall, Frances, Wolter, David, and Zucconi, Laura

Abstract

BIOMEX (BIOlogy and Mars EXperiment) is an ESA/Roscosmos space exposure experiment housed within the exposure facility EXPOSE-R2 outside the Zvezda module on the International Space Station (ISS). The design of the multiuser facility supports—among others—the BIOMEX investigations into the stability and level of degradation of space-exposed biosignatures such as pigments, secondary metabolites, and cell surfaces in contact with a terrestrial and Mars analog mineral environment. In parallel, analysis on the viability of the investigated organisms has provided relevant data for evaluation of the habitability of Mars, for the limits of life, and for the likelihood of an interplanetary transfer of life (theory of lithopanspermia). In this project, lichens, archaea, bacteria, cyanobacteria, snow/permafrost algae, meristematic black fungi, and bryophytes from alpine and polar habitats were embedded, grown, and cultured on a mixture of martian and lunar regolith analogs or other terrestrial minerals. The organisms and regolith analogs and terrestrial mineral mixtures were then exposed to space and to simulated Mars-like conditions by way of the EXPOSE-R2 facility. In this special issue, we present the first set of data obtained in reference to our investigation into the habitability of Mars and limits of life. This project was initiated and implemented by the BIOMEX group, an international and interdisciplinary consortium of 30 institutes in 12 countries on 3 continents. Preflight tests for sample selection, results from ground-based simulation experiments, and the space experiments themselves are presented and include a complete overview of the scientific processes required for this space experiment and postflight analysis. The presented BIOMEX concept could be scaled up to future exposure experiments on the Moon and will serve as a pretest in low Earth orbit.

15. Biosignature stability in space enables their use for life detection on Mars

Author

Baqué, Mickael, Backhaus, Theresa, Meeßen, Joachim, Hanke, Franziska, Böttger, Ute, Ramkissoon, Nisha, Olsson-Francis, Karen, Baumgärtner, Michael, Billi, Daniela, Cassaro, Alessia, de la Torre Noetzel, Rosa, Demets, René, Edwards, Howell, Ehrenfreund, Pascale, Elsaesser, Andreas, Foing, Bernard, Foucher, Frédéric, Huwe, Björn, Joshi, Jasmin, Kozyrovska, Natalia, Lasch, Peter, Lee, Natuschka, Leuko, Stefan, Onofri, Silvano, Ott, Sieglinde, Pacelli, Claudia, Rabbow, Elke, Rothschild, Lynn, Schulze-Makuch, Dirk, Selbmann, Laura, Serrano, Paloma, Szewzyk, Ulrich, Verseux, Cyprien, Wagner, Dirk, Westall, Frances, Zucconi, Laura, de Vera, Jean-Pierre P., Baqué, Mickael, Backhaus, Theresa, Meeßen, Joachim, Hanke, Franziska, Böttger, Ute, Ramkissoon, Nisha, Olsson-Francis, Karen, Baumgärtner, Michael, Billi, Daniela, Cassaro, Alessia, de la Torre Noetzel, Rosa, Demets, René, Edwards, Howell, Ehrenfreund, Pascale, Elsaesser, Andreas, Foing, Bernard, Foucher, Frédéric, Huwe, Björn, Joshi, Jasmin, Kozyrovska, Natalia, Lasch, Peter, Lee, Natuschka, Leuko, Stefan, Onofri, Silvano, Ott, Sieglinde, Pacelli, Claudia, Rabbow, Elke, Rothschild, Lynn, Schulze-Makuch, Dirk, Selbmann, Laura, Serrano, Paloma, Szewzyk, Ulrich, Verseux, Cyprien, Wagner, Dirk, Westall, Frances, Zucconi, Laura, and de Vera, Jean-Pierre P.

Abstract

Two rover missions to Mars aim to detect biomolecules as a sign of extinct or extant life with, among other instruments, Raman spectrometers. However, there are many unknowns about the stability of Raman-detectable biomolecules in the martian environment, clouding the interpretation of the results. To quantify Raman-detectable biomolecule stability, we exposed seven biomolecules for 469 days to a simulated martian environment outside the International Space Station. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) strongly changed the Raman spectra signals, but only minor change was observed when samples were shielded from UVR. These findings provide support for Mars mission operations searching for biosignatures in the subsurface. This experiment demonstrates the detectability of biomolecules by Raman spectroscopy in Mars regolith analogs after space exposure and lays the groundwork for a consolidated space-proven database of spectroscopy biosignatures in targeted environments.

16. Limits of Life and the Habitability of Mars: The ESA Space Experiment BIOMEX on the ISS.

Author

de Vera JP, Alawi M, Backhaus T, Baqué M, Billi D, Böttger U, Berger T, Bohmeier M, Cockell C, Demets R, de la Torre Noetzel R, Edwards H, Elsaesser A, Fagliarone C, Fiedler A, Foing B, Foucher F, Fritz J, Hanke F, Herzog T, Horneck G, Hübers HW, Huwe B, Joshi J, Kozyrovska N, Kruchten M, Lasch P, Lee N, Leuko S, Leya T, Lorek A, Martínez-Frías J, Meessen J, Moritz S, Moeller R, Olsson-Francis K, Onofri S, Ott S, Pacelli C, Podolich O, Rabbow E, Reitz G, Rettberg P, Reva O, Rothschild L, Sancho LG, Schulze-Makuch D, Selbmann L, Serrano P, Szewzyk U, Verseux C, Wadsworth J, Wagner D, Westall F, Wolter D, and Zucconi L

Subjects
Biofilms, Cyanobacteria radiation effects, Deinococcus physiology, Deinococcus radiation effects, Extraterrestrial Environment, Lichens radiation effects, Marchantia physiology, Marchantia radiation effects, Methanosarcina physiology, Methanosarcina radiation effects, Minerals, Ultraviolet Rays, Cyanobacteria physiology, Exobiology, Lichens physiology, Mars
Abstract

BIOMEX (BIOlogy and Mars EXperiment) is an ESA/Roscosmos space exposure experiment housed within the exposure facility EXPOSE-R2 outside the Zvezda module on the International Space Station (ISS). The design of the multiuser facility supports-among others-the BIOMEX investigations into the stability and level of degradation of space-exposed biosignatures such as pigments, secondary metabolites, and cell surfaces in contact with a terrestrial and Mars analog mineral environment. In parallel, analysis on the viability of the investigated organisms has provided relevant data for evaluation of the habitability of Mars, for the limits of life, and for the likelihood of an interplanetary transfer of life (theory of lithopanspermia). In this project, lichens, archaea, bacteria, cyanobacteria, snow/permafrost algae, meristematic black fungi, and bryophytes from alpine and polar habitats were embedded, grown, and cultured on a mixture of martian and lunar regolith analogs or other terrestrial minerals. The organisms and regolith analogs and terrestrial mineral mixtures were then exposed to space and to simulated Mars-like conditions by way of the EXPOSE-R2 facility. In this special issue, we present the first set of data obtained in reference to our investigation into the habitability of Mars and limits of life. This project was initiated and implemented by the BIOMEX group, an international and interdisciplinary consortium of 30 institutes in 12 countries on 3 continents. Preflight tests for sample selection, results from ground-based simulation experiments, and the space experiments themselves are presented and include a complete overview of the scientific processes required for this space experiment and postflight analysis. The presented BIOMEX concept could be scaled up to future exposure experiments on the Moon and will serve as a pretest in low Earth orbit.

Published
2019
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