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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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123 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2014

Microorganism Utilization for Synthetic Milk

A desired architecture for long duration spaceflight, like aboard the International Space Station or for future missions to Mars, is to provide a supply of fresh food crops for the astronauts. However, some crops can create a high proportion of inedible plant waste. The main goal of the Synthetic Biology project, Cow in a Column, was to produce the components of milk (sugar, lipid, protein) from inedible plant waste by utilizing microorganisms (fungi, yeast, bacteria). Of particular interest was utilizing the valuable polysaccharide, cellulose, found in plant waste, to naturally fuel-through microorganism cellular metabolism- the creation of sugar (glucose), lipid (milk fat), and protein (casein) in order to produce a synthetic edible food product. Environmental conditions such as pH, temperature, carbon source, aeration, and choice microorganisms were optimized in the laboratory and the desired end-products, sugars and lipids, were analyzed. Trichoderma reesei, a known cellulolytic fungus, was utilized to drive the production of glucose, with the intent that the produced glucose would serve as the carbon source for milk fat production and be a substitute for the milk sugar lactose. Lipid production would be carried out by Rhodosporidium toruloides, yeast known to accumulate those lipids that are typically found in milk fat. Results showed that glucose and total lipid content were below what was expected during this phase of experimentation. In addition, individual analysis of six fatty acids revealed that the percentage of each fatty acid was lower than naturally produced bovine milk. Overall, this research indicates that microorganisms could be utilized to breakdown inedible solid waste to produce useable products. For future work, the production of the casein protein for milk would require the development of a genetically modified organism, which was beyond the scope of the original project. Additional trials would be needed to further refine the required environment/organisms for the production of desired sugar and lipid end-products.

Microorganisms↗
NASA NTRS2015

Human Factors and Habitability Challenges for Mars Missions

As NASA is planning to send humans deeper into space than ever before, adequate crew health and performance will be critical for mission success. Within the NASA Human Research Program (HRP), the Space Human Factors and Habitability (SHFH) team is responsible for characterizing the risks associated with human capabilities and limitations with respect to long-duration spaceflight, and for providing mitigations (e.g., guidelines, technologies, and tools) to promote safe, reliable and productive missions. SHFH research includes three domains: Advanced Environmental Health (AEH), Advanced Food Technology (AFT), and Space Human Factors Engineering (SHFE). The AEH portfolio focuses on understanding the risk of microbial contamination of the spacecraft and on the development of standards for exposure to potential toxins such as chemicals, bacteria, fungus, and lunar/Martian dust. The two risks that the environmental health project focuses on are adverse health effects due to changes in host-microbe interactions, and risks associated with exposure to dust in planetary surface habitats. This portfolio also proposes countermeasures to these risks by making recommendations that relate to requirements for environmental quality, foods, and crew health on spacecraft and space missions. The AFT portfolio focuses on reducing the mass, volume, and waste of the entire integrated food system to be used in exploration missions, and investigating processing methods to extend the shelf life of food items up to five years, while assuring that exploration crews will have nutritious and palatable foods. The portfolio also delivers improvements in both the food itself and the technologies for storing and preparing it. SHFE sponsors research to establish human factors and habitability standards and guidelines in five risk areas, and provides improved design concepts for advanced crew interfaces and habitability systems. These risk areas include: Incompatible vehicle/habitat design, inadequate human-computer interaction, inadequate critical task design, inadequate human-automation/robotic interaction, and performance errors due to training deficiencies. To address the identified research gaps within each risk, SHFH's research plan includes studies in the laboratory, in analogs, and on International Space Station (ISS). In addition to establishing and maintaining the risk-based research portfolio, SHFH is also implementing a qualitative approach to determine how we at NASA evaluate human performance. Via interviews with experts, such as trainers, flight controllers, and flight surgeons, we are collecting the metrics by which they assess human performance, evidence of performance issues, and potential or actual consequences. The Human Performance Data Project will determine what human performance data have been collected in the past at NASA, and what data should be collected in the future in order to complete our knowledgebase and reduce risks related to human factors and habitability.

Whitmore, Mihriban↗
NASA NTRS2015

Microbial Ecology of a Crewed Rover Traverse in the Arctic: Low Microbial Dispersal and Implications for Planetary Protection on Human Mars Missions

Between April 2009 and July 2011, the NASA Haughton-Mars Project (HMP) led the Northwest Passage Drive Expedition (NWPDX), a multi-staged long-distance crewed rover traverse along the Northwest Passage in the Arctic. In April 2009, the HMP Okarian rover was driven 496 km over sea ice along the Northwest Passage, from Kugluktuk to Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Canada. During the traverse, crew members collected samples from within the rover and from undisturbed snow-covered surfaces around the rover at three locations. The rover samples and snow samples were stored at subzero conditions (-20C to -1C) until processed for microbial diversity in labs at the NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The objective was to determine the extent of microbial dispersal away from the rover and onto undisturbed snow. Interior surfaces of the rover were found to be associated with a wide range of bacteria (69 unique taxa) and fungi (16 unique taxa). In contrast, snow samples from the upwind, downwind, uptrack, and downtrack sample sites exterior to the rover were negative for both bacteria and fungi except for two colony-forming units (cfus) recovered from one downwind (1 cfu; site A4) and one uptrack (1 cfu; site B6) sample location. The fungus, Aspergillus fumigatus (GenBank JX517279), and closely related bacteria in the genus Brevibacillus were recovered from both snow (B. agri, GenBank JX517278) and interior rover surfaces. However, it is unknown whether the microorganisms were deposited onto snow surfaces at the time of sample collection (i.e., from the clothing or skin of the human operator) or via airborne dispersal from the rover during the 12-18 h layovers at the sites prior to collection. Results support the conclusion that a crewed rover traveling over previously undisturbed terrain may not significantly contaminate the local terrain via airborne dispersal of propagules from the vehicle. Key Words: Planetary protection-Contamination-Habitability-Haughton Crater-Mars. Astrobiology 15, 478-491.

Human Mars Missions↗
NASA NTRS2015

Expanding Fungal Diets Through Synthetic Algal-Fungal Mutualism

Fungi can synthesize numerous molecules with important properties, and could be valuable production platforms for space exploration and colonization. However, as heterotrophs, fungi require reduced carbon. This limits their efficiency in locations such as Mars, where reduced carbon is scarce. We propose a system to induce mutualistic symbiosis between the green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the filamentous fungi Neurospora crassa. This arrangement would mimic natural algal-fungal relationships found in lichens, but have added advantages including increased growth rate and genetic tractability. N. crassa would metabolize citrate (C6H5O7 (sup -3)) and release carbon dioxide (CO2) that C. reinhardtii would assimilate into organic sugars during photosynthesis. C. reinhardtii would metabolize nitrate (NO3−) and release ammonia (NH3) as a nitrogen source for N. crassa. A N. crassa mutant incapable of reducing nitrate will be used to force this interaction. This system eliminates the need to directly supply its participants with carbon dioxide and ammonia. Furthermore, the release of oxygen by C. reinhardtii via photosynthesis would enable N. crassa to respire. We hope to eventually create a system closer to lichen, in which the algae transfers not only nitrogen but reduced carbon, as organic sugars, to the fungus for growth and production of valuable compounds.

Fungi↗
NASA NTRS2020

Fungal Exposure to Meteorite Thin Sections: Developing an Experimental to Observe Biogeochemical Changes

The Astromaterials Acquisition & Curation Office maintains collections of meteorite samples collected as part of the Antarctic Search for Meteorites (ANSMET) program. The chief goal of the curation department is to maintain these meteorites in pristine condition. The Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Directorate has implemented a microbial monitoring program for the meteorite collections that has resulted in the isolation of >100 fungal isolates [1], however it is currently unknown if these isolates could present danger to the collections through bioweathering or secretion of organic compounds. We grew a strain of Fusarium oxysporium isolated from nitrogen gas filters feeding the Meteorite Lab nitrogen gas in the presence of a H5 meteorite thin section to determine if this fungus has the capability of altering the mineral structure of this common meteorite. This first trial was to determine and understand the effects of Fusarium oxysporum growth on the iron content within H5 chondrites and evaluate what additional components are needed in the development of future trial runs. This experiment determined new considerations for handling samples, the nature of microscopic scans before and after the incubation period, and the quality of the samples utilized for the experiment. The results of this experiment were promising and warrant further investigation with a more refined process and timeline.

Barbre, K. S. R.↗
NASA NTRS2021

Low-Maintenance Bioreactor Cultivates Fungi for Sustainable Food Source in Space

Nature’s Fynd, a food company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, partnered with Montana State University on NASA STTR contracts to further develop a micro-gravity biofilm-biomat reactor, which cultivates a unique fungus to form a dense protein material. The resulting “biomat” could serve as a nutritious food source for life away from Earth. Nature’s Fynd has received external investments totaling more than $500 million for developing its technologies, and the company recently launched its meatless and dairy-free foods in specific retailers.

STTR↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Method Development for In Situ Microbiome Profiling of the Water Recovery System’s Wastewater Tank Onboard the International Space Station

A distinctive microbial community has inhabited the wastewater tank within the International Space Station Water Recovery System (WRS) for over 14 years and experienced the stressors associated with the microgravity environment. The WRS generates potable water for the crew from urine distillate, humidity condensate, Sabatier product water, and the occasional off-loading of ground-supplied water. The reservoir for these products, the wastewater tank, does not have a means of microbial control. While samples are occasionally collected for analysis, the time between sample collection and the return to Earth, as well as the lack of preservation, results in a skewed depiction of the microbiome. Routinely observed from these returned samples are high counts (105 – 106 colony forming units per mL) and two prevailing genera, Burkholderia and Ralstonia. The wastewater tank likely contains a more diverse microbiome, as a higher diversity of bacteria and fungus has been noted upstream and downstream of the tank. To characterize the microbial profile of the tank, analysis needs to occur at the time of sample collection. Toward this goal, a method for in situ analysis based on nanopore sequencing was developed. The filter-to-sequencer method evolved from previous work that has been validated onboard the ISS (BEST payload and the BioMole Crew Health Care Systems Facility). The method, including filtration, DNA extraction, purification, amplification, library preparation, and nanopore sequencing will be described. Additionally, data collected with this method from both ISS and terrestrial samples will be detailed. The consumables needed to support in situ analysis of the tank are set to the launch to the ISS in the spring of 2023. This investigation will allow for the first accurate characterization of the microbiome of the tank providing insight for crew health, planetary protection, and has the potential to enable engineering controls for future space station water systems.

Sarah Stahl-Rommel↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Verification Testing and Veg-05 Tomato Crop Production on the International Space Station

Production of fresh, nutritious, and tasty produce for astronauts during spaceflight may provide health-promoting, bioavailable nutrients and enhance the dietary experience as we move into longer-duration missions. Growing and caring for plants may also reduce the psychological stresses associated with spaceflight and enhance connections to Earth. Requirements to consistently grow a diversity of crops under spaceflight environmental conditions remain poorly defined. The VEG-05 experiment is part of a series of experiments with pick-and-eat salad crops to better define best practices for crop production and handling in space. VEG-05 and predecessor experiments VEG-04A and VEG-04B, use the Veggie vegetable production facilities on the International Space Station to grow salad crops under different spectral compositions. In VEG-04A and B, mizuna mustard was cultivated with two different red: blue light treatments, and in VEG-05 we are cultivating ‘Red Robin’ dwarf cherry tomatoes under the same light spectra. Light can impact the growth habit, yield, nutritional composition, microbial levels, and even flavor attributes within crops, and our team will assess these characteristics for this crop during VEG-05. Prior to launch and installation on ISS in late 2022, both a science verification test (SVT), and an experiment verification test (EVT) were conducted at Kennedy Space Center in ISS Environment Simulator Chambers. Science verification testing, and a previous fertilizer test, grew plants in both plant pillows and PONDS (Passive Orbital Nutrient Delivery System) units and tested two different fertilizer treatments in both sets of hardware, with each test under only one of the light conditions. Because of challenges validating the PONDS hardware on ISS, and with good crop production in plant pillows, the EVT moved forward using only plant pillows with the highest fertilizer composition tested during SVT, and two Veggie units were utilized. One Veggie had light settings consisting of equal levels of red: blue light (150 µmol/m2/s for each color) plus green light (30 µmol/m2/s) while the second Veggie had a 90:10 ratio of red: blue light (270 µmol/m2/s red and 30 µmol/m2/s blue) plus green, so each unit provided 330 µmol/m2/s of photosynthetically active radiation to the tomato crops on average. Our original plan, based on prior ground testing, was to grow the crop for 104 days and harvest at 80, 90 and 104 days after initiation. For SVT, under the equal red: blue light treatment, fruit ripening in plant pillows was delayed and fruit were not ripe by day 80, so actual harvest days were days 90, 97, and 104. For EVT we saw fruit ripening earlier, especially in the high red treatment, and so we harvested at days 83, 90, and 99 days after initiation. In SVT we had mostly daily watering, and this led to excess water in plant pillows, which leaked out. This excess water also caused fungus to grow on one leaf and a couple of plant stems. To reduce this excess moisture, we throttled back the watering for EVT, and used the root mat reservoir more frequently. This led to watering only every other day, reducing crew time needed for plant care, however, two wilting events occurred during this EVT, at days 51 and 75. Plants recovered from these wilting events, but these events may have influenced the rate of fruit ripening and flower formation. Regardless, more than 10 fruit were produced from each plant on average, with the high red treatment producing slightly heavier fruit. Microbial testing from fruit during SVT indicated that fruit were safe for consumption with microbial levels below detection limits. VEG-05 flight and ground operations are expected to run between December 2022 and March 2023. This research was co-funded by the Human Research Program and Space Biology (MTL#1075) in the ILSRA 2015 NRA call.

Gioia D. Massa↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Verification Testing and Veg-05 Tomato Crop Production on the International Space Station

VEG-05 is an experiment to better define best practices for crop production and handling in space. Light can impact the growth habit, yield, nutritional composition, microbial levels, and flavor within crops and VEG-05 used the Veggie facilities on the International Space Station to grow ‘Red Robin’ dwarf tomatoes under different spectral compositions to assess these characteristics. Prior to launch, both a science verification test (SVT), and an experiment verification test (EVT) were conducted. SVT, and a previous fertilizer test, grew plants in both plant pillows and PONDS units and tested different fertilizer treatments, with each test under one of the light conditions. EVT used only plant pillows with the highest fertilizer composition tested, and two Veggie units were utilized. One Veggie had light settings consisting of equal levels of red: blue light while the second Veggie had a 90:10 ratio of red: blue light, both with the addition of ~10% green. For SVT, under the equal red: blue light treatment, fruit ripening in plant pillows was delayed. For EVT we saw fruit ripening earlier, especially in the red-rich treatment. In SVT we had mostly daily watering, and this led to excess water in plant pillows which leaked and caused fungus to grow. We reduced this excess in EVT, however, wilting events occurred. Regardless, more than 10 fruit were produced from each plant on average, with the high red treatment producing slightly heavier fruit. Microbial testing from fruit indicated that fruit were safe for consumption. VEG-05 flight operations ran December 2022 and March 2023, with considerable challenges in watering and unexpectedly low humidity on ISS during critical periods. Only 12 ripe fruit formed, and all were returned. Fruit and other samples are currently being analyzed. This research was co-funded by NASA’s Human Research Program and Space Biology.

Gioia Donna Massa↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Verification Testing and VEG-05 Tomato Crop Production on the International Space Station

VEG-05 is an experiment to better define best practices for crop production and handling in space. Light can impact the growth habit, yield, nutritional composition, microbial levels, and flavor within crops and VEG-05 used the Veggie facilities on the International Space Station to grow ‘Red Robin’ dwarf tomatoes under different spectral compositions to assess these characteristics. Prior to launch, both a science verification test (SVT), and an experiment verification test (EVT) were conducted. SVT, and a previous fertilizer test, grew plants in both plant pillows and PONDS units and tested different fertilizer treatments, with each test under one of the light conditions. EVT used only plant pillows with the highest fertilizer composition tested, and two Veggie units were utilized. One Veggie had light settings consisting of equal levels of red: blue light while the second Veggie had a 90:10 ratio of red: blue light, both with the addition of ~10% green. For SVT, under the equal red: blue light treatment, fruit ripening in plant pillows was delayed. For EVT we saw fruit ripening earlier, especially in the red-rich treatment. In SVT we had mostly daily watering, and this led to excess water in plant pillows which leaked and caused fungus to grow. We reduced this excess in EVT, however, wilting events occurred. Regardless, more than 10 fruit were produced from each plant on average, with the high red treatment producing slightly heavier fruit. Microbial testing from fruit indicated that fruit were safe for consumption. VEG-05 flight operations ran December 2022 and March 2023, with considerable challenges in watering and unexpectedly low humidity on ISS during critical periods. Only 12 ripe fruit formed, and all were returned. Fruit and other samples are currently being analyzed. This research was co-funded by NASA’s Human Research Program and Space Biology.

Gioia D. Massa↗
DOE OSTI2026

Microbial community data from throughfall exclusion experiment: Metadata, SI, community composition, LefSe, and FunGuilR data tables from PARCHED Panama tropical forest soils, 2024-2025

Soil contains more carbon (C) than terrestrial vegetation and the atmosphere combined, with some of the largest terrestrial C stocks in tropical rainforests. Soil microbes decompose organic matter, playing a vital role in the storage or loss of soil C. With climate change, drought conditions are predicted to increase in many tropical regions, including both chronic drying and extended drought, potentially influencing these processes. This project explored the effects of chronic and seasonal drying on soil microbial communities across four distinct tropical forests in a long-term drying experiment. We investigated the effects of a chronic drying manipulation on soil microbial community abundance and variation across different forests and seasons. We also compared findings with previously published data from these forests after short-term drying. This project used soils from a long-term drying experiment established in 2018 across four seasonal lowland forests in Panama. Soils were collected from 0 – 10 cm depths during three seasonal periods in control and drying plots in 2024 and 2025 from a total of 32 plots (n = 4 per forest per treatment). The forests varied in baseline rainfall and soil fertility. We calculated alpha and beta diversity indices and compared taxonomic community composition. We found significant biogeographic variation in microbial diversity and taxonomy, with significant differences across the forests and significant effects of the drying treatment. Metadata and sample IDs are within Metadata_16S.csv and Metadata_ITS.csv. Relative abundance tables of every sample at every season are shown in the Excel workbooks 16S Relative Abundance.xlsx and ITS Relative Abundance.xlsx. They are then also shown in CSV files by each taxonomic level. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LefSe) tables are shown for the full 16S and ITS datasets (n = 96), subsets for every site at every season (n = 8), and then for the forests with each plot merged by season (n = 8). FunGuildR data table of ITS data is uploaded.

Bacteria↗
DOE OSTI2026

Analysis of Persistent Soiling Losses: Cooperative Research and Development (Final Report)

The Contractor will analyze data from sensors and equipment provided by Participant in order to provide the basis for understanding of the processes and rates for the formation of 'persistent' soiling (soiling not removed by rain). The resulting, data, technical report, and publications will provide the basis for Participant to improve it's predictive soiling model.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗