geobiology in space exploration an esa/global topical team
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Geobiology in Space Exploration An ESA/Global Topical Team. Microbes and rocks – the planetary scale picture Microbial interactions with rocks important for: Long term climate cycle (weathering reactions consume carbon dioxide). Soil formation Nutrients to the biosphere Biomining - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Geobiology in Space Exploration
An ESA/Global Topical Team
Microbes and rocks – the planetary scale picture
Microbial interactions with rocks important for:
1.Long term climate cycle (weathering reactions consume carbon dioxide).2.Soil formation3.Nutrients to the biosphere4.Biomining5.Searching for and identifying life in extreme environments
Applications of geobiology in space
Space Applications
Advantages of Microbes Can be specific and efficient catalysts Can be resistant to extreme environments Have very diverse metabolic capabilities Low energy requirements
Disadvantages of MicrobesSusceptible to contamination by other strains Can die Sometimes growth conditions are quite specific
The flow of information can work both ways
- Isolation of useful novel extreme tolerant organisms-Testing of experimental apparatus-Testing of scientific hypotheses in diverse scientific environments
Objectives of Topical Team
1) Encourage the development of a community.
2) Identify potential applications.
3) Define technical objectives and develop mission plans.
Activities so far
Started in 2009 First meeting in May 6th, 2009, ESTEC, Netherlands Second meeting, January 18th 2010, ESTEC, Netherlands Third meeting, February 2011, Marrakech, Morocco
Projects include:
Geobiology in Space Exploration workshop Developing guidance for ESA (and other agencies) on geobiology Design of ISS experiment: E-GEM (Extraterrestrial Geomicrobiology Package).
Extraterrestrial Geomicrobiology Package (E-GEM)
To study microbe-mineral interactions in space stress and altered gravity Investigate efficiency of weathering reactions Develop prototype biomining apparatus Experiment went in to review . Scored 85/100 Now into definition phase for flight
Geobiology in Space Exploration7-15 February, Marrakech, 2011 53 attendees2.5 days of talks Break-out groups Substantial 4 day field trip
Geobiology in Space Exploration 2
2013
Possible locationsJanet Siefert - Cuatro Cienegas, MexicoJulio Valdivia Silva - Peru
Volcanic Environment Microbial Observatory www.volcaniclife.org
QuestionsMicrobes in Volcanic Habitats
Who are the first colonizers?
What is the distribution of chemolithotrophs?
Which organisms are active in weathering?
What does this tell us about life elsewhere?
Cold Temperatures Volcanic environment Basaltic rocks
Fe2+
Fe3+
Geobacter spp.
Gallionella spp.
Molecular diversity of bacteria Sampling of microbial diversity
Herrera, A. 2009 et al. Astrobiology 9, 369-38Cockell, CS et al. 2009 Geobiology 7, 5-65Kelly, L et al. 2010 Microb. Ecol. 60, 740-752
Follow the Kinetics
Dig Here
What’s needed?
Common organism collections Common methodologies/protocols Exchange schemes for scientists Sample distribution/analysis