Antartica (Expose-R- Endo) Expose – R Screening of Ultra-Violet Radiation in Endothilic and Microalgal Communities from
COMMUNITIES FROM ANTARTICA (EXPOSE-R-ENDO)
Research Area: Astrobiology
Expedition(s): 18- 26
Principal Investigator(s): ● Charles S. Cockell, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh,
Scotland
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
The Expose-R facility hosts a suite of
astrobiology experiments, some of which
could help understand how life originated
on Earth. This suite of experiments are
accommodated in 3 special sample trays,
which are loaded with a variety of
biological samples and exposed to the
harsh environment of open space for
almost 2 years from March 2009-January
- Expose-R-Endo investigates the
effects of space conditions on
photosynthetic organisms. The
experiment examines isolated cells of
Chroococcidiopsis, a UV and desiccation
resistant microorganism. Expose-R-Endo
also examines a community of photosynthetic organisms within sections of porous rock to
investigate the protection provided by rock habitats against extreme environmental conditions.
RESULTS
Results from Expose-R-Endo are pending completion of analysis and data evaluation before
conclusive results are prepared and published.
This investigation is complete; however additional results are pending publication.
Sample containers are opened after they are returned to
Earth for analysis. ESA image.