大気圏上空および宇宙におけるバイオゾル探査

抄録

Biosol (microbe) sampling experiments have been conducted since the early 20 century. The relative difficulty in sampling using aircrafts, balloons or rockets limited the number of sampling experiments. However, spore forming microbes and Deinococci have been sampled by the limited number of experiments, both are known to be extremely resistant against extreme environments, such as UV and desiccation. Sampling devices are designed depending on the vehicle used for the sampling. The height dependence of the microbial density suggested the possible presence of microbes at the low earth orbit (400–500 km).
The microbe sampling experiment at ISS (International Space Station) has been proposed in “Tanpopo” mission. We are going to use silica aerogel for capturing micro-particles including biosol, if the mission is finally accepted. The device for the sampling will be uplifted by the vehicle HTV and transferred to space through airlock and placed with robotic-arms. The device will be retrieved and carried back to the ground, where PCR analysis will be conducted after microscopic inspection of the biosol.