Life In The Cosmos

Audience: Middle School Students

What if humans were able to sustain themselves on different planets long term? Photo by Vinay Tryambake from Unsplash

Introduction

Imagine having to leave your home and adjust to a new environment. New friends, a new school, and new surroundings. That would be difficult enough. But what if you had to leave the planet? Astronauts who go on long-term missions face this challenge. Not only is it a mental adjustment, but it is an extreme physical test. As we commonly know, space is not meant for humans to easily roam around in. Decades of advanced technology and research have created the proper rockets, gear, and technology to help astronauts survive long-term in an environment they don’t belong in. Space biotechnology is the application of biological tools, such as genetic engineering and tissue engineering, to function in microgravity (space) and extreme space environments. Scientists use biotechnology to study how living creatures respond to space conditions (like radiation and microgravity) over long periods of time. Studying space biotech can help humans survive in space for long periods of time (for example, learning how to grow plants in space), helping advance modern science.

Studying How Humans Can Survive In Space

In microgravity, bones don’t need to be as strong as they do on Earth to support the human body. Because of this, astronauts on long term missions lose 1-1.5% of their bone density each month during 4-6 month missions. After 6 months, an astronaut could lose 9% of their bone density, which has a significant impact on their health and life after returning to Earth. Astronauts who spend six months in space are exposed to roughly the same amount of radiation as 1,000 chest x-rays. Multiple types of radiation that affects astronauts puts them at an increased risk of cancer, central nervous system damage, bone loss, and some cardiovascular diseases. NASA funded research to determine the level of risk from radiation and over two decades managed to create a diagnostic test that can help improve cancer treatment on Earth, called the OncoMate MSI Dx Analysis System. NASA and other organizations study the health of astronauts sent out on long-term missions to analyze these important findings and create an accurate scientific conclusion. By doing research, organizations help astronauts stay safe and healthy while out in space.

Technology Used To Help Humans In Space

To protect astronauts, spacesuits must have a pressurized atmosphere, provide oxygen, remove carbon dioxide, and maintain a comfortable temperature. Additionally, the suit needs to provide good visibility, protect the astronaut from radiation, and protect them from micrometeoroids. Because being in microgravity causes muscle loss and loss of bone density, there are exercise machines on the ISS, and astronauts follow rigorous exercise programs to help them stay healthy. Since there is no gravity, the exercises work by applying forces to their musculoskeletal systems to keep them fit. Before going into space, the health of astronauts is also being closely monitored and tracked. Astronauts learn how to use ultrasound machines and blood glucose monitors. Additionally, they wear monitoring devices, such as those from Garmin or BioMonitors, helping to monitor vital signs and other key health metrics. On top of this, the astronauts do periodical health assessments to track their health consistently over time. For future missions, such as voyaging to Mars, NASA is continuing to create new and better technologies to help do so. For example, they are trying to create powerful propulsion systems in spaceships to help astronauts get to Mars and back faster. Additionally, they are working on making an inflatable heat shield to help land astronauts on planets with more extreme climates. They are also working on expanding Martian gear and are trying to create a Martian lab on Mars. Lastly, they are working on solidifying uninterrupted power and communication throughout a potential trip.

Plants In Space

Astronauts cannot live off of processed and packed food during long term missions, and need fresh produce. As we all know, plants provide oxygen, food, and help recycle carbon dioxide. NASA has grown crops on the ISS like lettuce. The Vegetable Production System, known as Veggie, is a space garden residing on the ISS which is helping NASA study plant growth in space, while providing fresh food for astronauts. The garden is about the size of a carry-on luggage and holds six plants. Each plant grows in a “pillow” filled with a clay-based growth media and fertilizer. The pillows help distribute water, nutrients and air in a healthy balance around the roots. Otherwise, the roots would either drown in water or be engulfed by air because of the way fluids in space tend to form bubbles. In space, plants use other environmental factors, such as light, to grow. A bank of light emitting diodes (LEDs) above the plants produces a spectrum of light suited for the plants’ growth. Since plants reflect a lot of green light and use more red and blue wavelengths, the Veggie chamber typically glows magenta pink. Studying plant growth in microgravity helps astronauts and space organizations prepare for long-term missions. In order to survive on long term missions and potentially create space colonies, plants are essential.

Conclusion

In conclusion, space biotechnology is essential to help astronauts survive in space, and to help advance the future of science. Scientists study the effects on the human body in space, space conditions, and develop new technologies to help space advancement. As space science advances, biotechnology will remain at the front, since it is crucial to making long-term space travel possible.

Bibliography

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