production by microorganisms in orbit. The CGBA Antibiotic Production in Space (APS)
experiment is the first International Space Station (ISS) investigation to test whether long-
duration exposure to microgravity stimulated antibiotic production in microorganisms. The
experiment uses Streptomyces plicatus to produce the antibiotic compound actinomycin D.
Actinomycin D is an anti-tumor antibiotic used to treat tumors of the bone, urogential tract,
skeletal muscle, kidney, and testis.
EARTH BENEFITS
Researchers believe microgravity presents a pure environment to study different human
physiological systems. Scientists hope to gain a better understanding of how nerves develop
and attach to muscle fibers during the CGBA-SM experiment. Newly acquired information
may be used to produce treatments for various nervous system diseases. CGBA-KCGE aims to
manipulate cell samples to create tissues similar in structure to those found in the human body.
These tissues can be applied to many different types of research and can be used for
developing new medications to treat various diseases. Insight gained through observations
made during CGBA-APS target further improvements in antibiotics production and efficiency
in facilities on Earth. The microgravity environment is vital in determining the critical factors
observed in increasing antibiotic production and may lead to economic gain through an
increase in fermentation efficiency.
SPACE BENEFITS
As the drive for long-duration space exploration
increases, it is imperative to understand how
microgravity affects the human body. CGBA-SM
focuses on the developing nervous system.
The information derived from this investigation
can aid in generating countermeasures to offset
the negative effects of spaceflight. CGBA-KCGE
observes the effects that microgravity has on
cellular structures and gives insight to how the
human body reacts at the cellular level. These
changes may lead to the development of
countermeasures that would lower the human
risk of long-duration spaceflight. CGBA-APS
concentrates on the accelerated rate of antibiotic
production in microgravity in comparison to
those produced on Earth. Researches think the ability to grow large quantities of antibiotics in
microgravity will further pharmaceutical research.
RESULTS
SYNAPTOGENESIS IN MICROGRAVITY
Preliminary results based on the 30-day postflight report, provided by Dr David Klaus of
BioServe Space Technology, indicated that although the CGBA hardware operated successfully,
there were unexpected temperature drifts above the planned temperature in 2 of the 7
Postflight images show tray with waste bag and
samples visible (dark substance indicates
actinomycin D), close up of remaining viable
culture from opened tray, and sample bags. NASA
Marshall Space Flight Center image.