The problems of microbial safety in regenerative life support systems exploration

Acta Astronaut. 1995 May-Jun;35(9-11):573-6. doi: 10.1016/0094-5765(95)00017-t.

Abstract

NASA: The hazards of microbial contamination in life support systems onboard spacecraft during long duration missions are presented. Tables present information about microbial characteristics of moisture-containing substrates and wastes submitted to and passing the regeneration system; the content of microflora on different types of polymers typically used in regenerative systems; and medical risks associated with microflora isolated from space object construction materials in spacecraft. Priorities for decontamination are total decontamination, localization of decontaminating equipment before and after regeneration, and physical methods of decontamination.

MeSH terms

  • Decontamination / methods*
  • Disinfection
  • Ecological Systems, Closed*
  • Environmental Microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Life Support Systems*
  • Space Flight*
  • Spacecraft
  • Sterilization
  • Waste Management
  • Water Microbiology
  • Water Purification / methods
  • Water Supply