Space Volcanic Algae – ISS

The Space Volcanic Algae experiment studies the survival and adaptation of extremophilic volcanic microalgae to microgravity and space conditions. The results of the ISS microalgae experiments will be crucial for future human space exploration, including future missions to the Moon, especially in the context of closed-loop systems (space habitation) and space medicine.

Extremophilic organisms play and will continue to play a key role in space travel, including long-term space travel. Their extraordinary adaptive properties and resistance to many variable factors constitute the basis for believing that they are the best solution for use in closed circuit and life support systems. The aim of our experiments is to send such microorganisms, in our case they are microalgae from volcanic areas, having unique adaptive features. Testing them for resistance in conditions of microgravity and cosmic radiation will allow for a better understanding of their functioning in many stress factors at the same time. Moreover, the primary goal of our project is to investigate oxygen production, as the proposed algae exhibit intensive photosynthesis, and thus produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide.

Objectives:

The primary objectives of the Space Volcanic Algae experiment are:

Adaptation and Growth: To study how volcanic algae adapt to the microgravity conditions and radiation levels in space.
Bioregenerative Life Support: To evaluate the effectiveness of volcanic algae in performing crucial life support functions, such as CO2 sequestration and O2 production, in closed-loop systems aboard spacecraft