[Micro Monitor]
Development of the on-board monitoring system for microorganisms in potable water on manned spacecrafts.

RESEARCH OVERVIEW

• A real time, on-board microbial monitoring system is highly desired since sample return to Earth will not be possible during future manned deep space exploration missions.
• Development of the On-board Monitoring System for Microorganisms in Potable Water on Manned Spacecraft (Micro Monitor) verifies a novel on-board microbial monitoring system to be used during future manned deep space exploration flights.
• A high-performance on-board real-time monitoring system for detecting microorganisms is important to prevent abnormal growth of harmful microorganisms, such as aquatic bacteria.

DESCRIPTION

In order to develop a real-time on-board microbial monitoring system which does not depend on cultivation, there is a need to examine and validate a novel particle counting system which incorporates a fluorescence detector using an ultraviolet laser light source, detect reflected light from viable particles, and distinguish between non-viable and viable particles. For the Development of the On-board Monitoring System for Microorganisms in Potable Water on Manned Spacecraft (Micro Monitor) investigation, International Space Station (ISS) potable water is recovered from orbit and viable particles, such as bacteria contained the water, are measured and compared with results obtained by conventional cultivation methods performed on Earth. The aim is to utilize this as an on-board microbial monitoring system during future manned deep space exploration missions.

SPACE APPLICATIONS

This technology does not require cultivation in order to measure microbial levels and so can detect microorganisms at an early stage. Early detection helps prevent abnormal growth of harmful microorganisms and better protects crew health.

EARTH APPLICATIONS

A simple and quick method for detecting microbes can help protect the health of humans on Earth as well. This technology could also contribute to development of guidelines based on the "rapid test method for microbes" published in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia Reference format for groundwater businesses.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND PROTOCOLS

Potable water which meets International Space Station (ISS) standards is collected from the potable water dispensers aboard the ISS, and the microorganisms contained in the samples are analyzed on the ground using a real time monitoring system. The potable water is collected in a water bag and returned to Earth at ambient temperature. Immediately after recovery, bacteria counts using the particle counting system and conventional cultivation tests are carried out.