RESULTS
LOCAD-PTS analysis of 15 sites on the S6 Truss prior to launch detected no endotoxin at any
test site. However, the fungal marker glucan was found at some sites, especially on gap
spanners (fabric straps that span the gap
between handrails to assist movement of
extra-vehicular crew). After the launch and
installation of the S6 Truss on ISS, swabs
were performed on the right-hand gloves
of both EVA suits before and after the first
spacewalk. LOCAD-PTS analysis showed
that the absolute level of glucan on the
spacesuit gloves was low, especially when
compared with other surfaces within the
station. Interestingly, there was a 50%
decrease in glucan on the gloves from pre-
EVA to post-EVA, despite the EV crew’s
contact with many sites on the S6 Truss
that tested high for glucan preflight. This
might be because of glucan on the S6
Truss being destroyed after a few days in
space and to glucan on the spacesuit glove
(detected pre-EVA) detaching during a spacewalk. These insights will help design contamination
control strategies for the human exploration of other planets.
PUBLICATION(S)
Eigenbrode J, Benning LG, Maule JG, Wainwright NR, Steele A, Amundsen HE. A field-based
cleaning protocol for sampling devices used in life-detection studies. Astrobiology.
2009;9(5):455-465. doi: 10.1089/ast.2008.0275.
This investigation is complete; however additional results are pending publication.
Video screen shot of ISS Expedition 18 Flight Engineer
Sandy Magnus, as she swabs the glove of EVA crew
member Richard Arnold following EVA 1 on Flight Day 5 of
STS-119.