Spaceward Bound- Biology Scouting for subsequent crews In-situ measurements and mapping

Spaceward Bound- Biology 1. Scouting for subsequent crews. 1. Scouting for subsequent crews. Similar to robotic precursors, each human mission will be based on data from previous missions. During spaceward bound we will demonstrate this with crews 52 and 53 scouting for biologically interesting spots. With a life detection instrument, crew 54 will map and measure these "hotspots" determined by crews 52 and 53.

Spaceward Bound- Biology Crew's 52 (Jon's) and 53 (Jen's) will : Step 1: Collect soil samples aseptically. Step 2: Weigh the soil. Step 3: Prepare the soils for plating: Dilute the soil samples with clean D.I autoclaved water. For example 0.1grams of soil with 1 ml of water, 0.9 ml of water with 0.1ml of previous soil tube. Detailed instructions for diluting the soil will be at the hab.

Spaceward Bound- Biology Step 4: Plate the prepared tubes on soil extract media. Culture plates with media will be provided. The standard is to plate three plates for each dilution. So for each soil sample collected there will be 45 plates. (5 dilutions x 3 plates/dilution). Step 5: Wrap the edges of each plate with parafilm. Directions will be shown to the commander.

Spaceward Bound- Biology Step 6: Store the plates at room temperature in an incubator or a dark place in the lab (such as a drawer) Step 7: Check the plates for colony growth and document after a few hours, and then twice daily. If there is a colony growing or a drastic change in the plates, take a picture of the plate and document the length since plated.

Spaceward Bound- Biology Step 8: At the end of the rotation, put the plates with colonies in large ziplock bags. Seal these bags and place them back in their incubating spot for the following crew to monitor. Crew 54 will use the plate colonies to determine where to take in-situ measurements.

Spaceward Bound- Biology Utah is uniquely rich in endoliths. Most crews have already collected and performed basic analysis on these endoliths. Each crew collecting new samples and using a different protocol for analysis. This method has resulted in the rapid depletion and degradation of the MDRS endolithic environment. Inconsistent protocols also lower the worth and integrity of the science.

Spaceward Bound - Biology During our spaceward rotations we will work with the remote science team to establish a systematic way of collecting, cataloging, analyzing, storing, and discarding specimens which can be followed by subsequent crew rotations. The level of this system will be established so a non-trained biologist could perform the basic analysis.

Spaceward Bound- Biology The only established endolithic study is a long term environmental monitoring project which is self sustaining. Local scientists will advise Spaceward Bound of supporting activities during the November science meeting. We will inform the commanders and leave any necessary information at the hab.

Spaceward Bound- Soils (As time permits) In-situ radiation measurements of different soils around the habitat using a Geiger counter. Basic soil physics measurements: pH, water content, pore volume, diff. rate, Chemistry tests- acid assays. Specific directions, instruments, and protocols will be at the hab.