Space Algae Experiments in the International Space Station
NASA’s Synthetic Biology Group engineers biological systems to provide critical resources for space exploration, including food, life support, and materials. Current efforts include Bionutrients, CO2-based manufacturing, Lunar Explorer Instrument for space biology Applications (LEIA), and Space Algae.
Understanding the genomic impacts on microalgae after growth in the International Space Station, plants and microbes can be used for biological support of crewed space missions.
The radiation and microgravity environment of spaceflight is expected to increase genetic mutation of all organisms. It is essential to understand how spaceflight impacts mutation rates in photosynthetic organisms to enable appropriate countermeasures and ensure productivity during long duration and deep space missions.