Geobiology in Space Exploration

An ESA/Global Topical Team

Microbes and rocks – the planetary scale picture

Microbial interactions with rocks important for:

1.Long term climate cycle (weathering reactions consume carbon dioxide).2.Soil formation3.Nutrients to the biosphere4.Biomining5.Searching for and identifying life in extreme environments

Applications of geobiology in space

Space Applications

Advantages of Microbes Can be specific and efficient catalysts Can be resistant to extreme environments Have very diverse metabolic capabilities Low energy requirements

Disadvantages of MicrobesSusceptible to contamination by other strains Can die Sometimes growth conditions are quite specific

The flow of information can work both ways

- Isolation of useful novel extreme tolerant organisms-Testing of experimental apparatus-Testing of scientific hypotheses in diverse scientific environments

Objectives of Topical Team

1) Encourage the development of a community.

2) Identify potential applications.

3) Define technical objectives and develop mission plans.

Activities so far

Started in 2009 First meeting in May 6th, 2009, ESTEC, Netherlands Second meeting, January 18th 2010, ESTEC, Netherlands Third meeting, February 2011, Marrakech, Morocco

Projects include:

Geobiology in Space Exploration workshop Developing guidance for ESA (and other agencies) on geobiology Design of ISS experiment: E-GEM (Extraterrestrial Geomicrobiology Package).

Extraterrestrial Geomicrobiology Package (E-GEM)

To study microbe-mineral interactions in space stress and altered gravity Investigate efficiency of weathering reactions Develop prototype biomining apparatus Experiment went in to review . Scored 85/100 Now into definition phase for flight

http://www.unitus.it/

Geobiology in Space Exploration7-15 February, Marrakech, 2011 53 attendees2.5 days of talks Break-out groups Substantial 4 day field trip

Geobiology in Space Exploration 2

2013

Possible locationsJanet Siefert - Cuatro Cienegas, MexicoJulio Valdivia Silva - Peru

Volcanic Environment Microbial Observatory www.volcaniclife.org

QuestionsMicrobes in Volcanic Habitats

Who are the first colonizers?

What is the distribution of chemolithotrophs?

Which organisms are active in weathering?

What does this tell us about life elsewhere?

Cold Temperatures Volcanic environment Basaltic rocks

Fe2+

Fe3+

Geobacter spp.

Gallionella spp.

Molecular diversity of bacteria Sampling of microbial diversity

Herrera, A. 2009 et al. Astrobiology 9, 369-38Cockell, CS et al. 2009 Geobiology 7, 5-65Kelly, L et al. 2010 Microb. Ecol. 60, 740-752

Follow the Kinetics

Dig Here

What’s needed?

Common organism collections Common methodologies/protocols Exchange schemes for scientists Sample distribution/analysis