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 formation 3.Nutrients to the biosphere 4.Biomining 5.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 Microbes  Susceptible 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 6 th, 2009, ESTEC, Netherlands  Second meeting, January 18 th 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

Geobiology in Space Exploration 7-15 February, Marrakech, 2011  53 attendees  2.5 days of talks  Break-out groups  Substantial 4 day field trip

Geobiology in Space Exploration Possible locations Janet Siefert - Cuatro Cienegas, Mexico Julio Valdivia Silva - Peru

Volcanic Environment Microbial Observatory

Questions Microbes 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

Fe 2+ Fe 3+ Geobacter spp. Gallionella spp.

Molecular diversity of bacteria Sampling of microbial diversity Herrera, A et al. Astrobiology 9, Cockell, CS et al Geobiology 7, 5-65 Kelly, L et al Microb. Ecol. 60,

Follow the Kinetics Dig Here

What’s needed?  Common organism collections  Common methodologies/protocols  Exchange schemes for scientists  Sample distribution/analysis