Microbial-Observatory-Mini-Book-04-28-14-508

microbiome that persists on the ISS across all the increments. As has been observedin other environmentally controlled and human-engineered constructs like officebuildings and airplanes, the microbiome will change in diversity (i.e., numberof different types or species of microorganisms in the spacecraft) and structure(i.e., the relative composition of different types or species) over time. The relativeabundance of human-associated bacteria, including those that could potentiallycause disease, is higher indoors than outdoors. As the ISS is relatively closed, themicrobial diversity is relatively stable throughout the interior of the station, suchthat the dispersion of new microorganisms can be tracked and impact of theiraddition on the “station” community can be evaluated. This premise may also bepossible for investigations into changes in the astronaut microbiomeFinally, an ISS Microbial Observatory would provide an opportunity to broadenour understanding of the unique microbial responses of microorganisms culturedduring spaceflight. This aspect of the ISS Microbial Observatory distinguishesit from any other available facility, as no other platform can provide thismicrogravity environment. As the microorganisms are adapting their responses tothis novel environment, information can be gathered that provides unique insightinto microbial regulation and function that cannot be discerned using traditionalmethodology on Earth.The use of the ISS as a microbial observatory would drive experiments that coulddecrease infectious disease risk during the human exploration of space, advancethe application of beneficial purposes for microorganisms (e.g., waste remediation,probiotics), and provide unique insight into basic microbial functions andinteractions that could be translated to studies for scientists and commercial entitieson Earth. Translation of spaceflight findings has already begun to take place asscientists and corporations are investigating the use of ISS microbial findings tobetter understand virulence profiles, antibiotic and disinfectant resistance, biofilmformation, and biodegradation properties.As NASA travels beyond low-Earth orbit to planets such as Mars, insight from anISS Microbial Observatory will impact our approach to exploration. Understandinghow spaceflight and gravity alter microbial responses, their exchange of geneticmaterial, and their expected concentrations and distribution will be vital in oursearch for extraterrestrial life and concurrent planetary protection.12