NASA’s Astrobiology Program studies the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. The O/OREOS mission will demonstrate new technological capabilities that can advance scientists’ efforts in the field of Astrobiology research. Specifically, O/OREOS will demonstrate the ability of the low-cost nanosatellite platform to provide scientists with meaningful information about organisms and organic materials they expect to find in space.
The experiment is sealed n a vessel at one atmosphere and contains two types of microbes found in salt ponds and soil in a dried and dormant state: Halorubrum chaoviatoris and Bacillus subtilis. After O/OREOS reaches orbit, the experiment will begin to rehydrate, or "feed," and grow three sets of the mirobes at three different times: a few days, three months, and six months after launch. The SESLO experiment measures the microbes' population density and change in color while they consume the dyed liquid nutrients. This experiment helps scientists determine the effects of the combined exposure to space radiation and microgravity on organisms' growth, health and survival.
This experiment is currently in progress. Results will be made available at a later date.
|Mission||Launch/Start Date||Landing/End Date||Duration|
|STP-S26||11/20/2010||Estimated six months|