High-altitude balloon platform for studying the biological response of living organisms exposed to near-space environments.

The intangible desire to explore the mysteries of the universe has driven numerous advancements for humanity for centuries. Extraterrestrial journeys are becoming more realistic as a result of human curiosity and endeavors. Over the years, space biology research has played a significant role in understanding the hazardous effects of the space environment on human health during long-term space travel. The inevitable consequence of a space voyage is space ionizing radiation, which has deadly aftereffects on the human body. The paramount objective of this study is to provide a robust platform for performing biological experiments within the Earth's stratosphere by utilizing high-altitude balloons. This platform allows the use of a biological payload to simulate spaceflight missions within the unique properties of space that cannot be replicated in terrestrial facilities. This paper describes the feasibility and demonstration of a biological balloon mission suitable for students and scientists to perform space biology experiments within the boundary of the stratosphere. In this study, a high-altitude balloon was launched into the upper atmosphere (∼29 km altitude), where living microorganisms were exposed to a hazardous combination of UV irradiation, ultralow pressure and cold shock. The balloon carried the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to investigate microbial survival potential under extreme conditions. The results indicated a notable reduction in biosample mortality two orders of magnitude (2-log) after exposure to 164.9 kJ m-2 UV. Postflight experiments have shown strong evidence that the effect of UV irradiation on living organisms is stronger than that of other extreme conditions.

MINERVA: A CubeSat for demonstrating DNA damage mitigation against space radiation in C. elegans by using genetic modification.

The ideas of deep-space human exploration, interplanetary travel, and space civilizations are becoming a reality. However, numerous hindrances remain standing in the way of accomplishing these feats, one of which is space ionizing radiation. Space ionizing radiation has become the most hazardous health risk for long-term human space exploration, as it can induce chromosomal damage and epigenetic changes. The Minerva mission aims to demonstrate cutting-edge technology to inhibit DNA damage against deep-space radiation exposure by using genetic modification. The concept of the experiment is to transform a creature with radiation intolerance into a transgenic organism that is radiation-tolerant. In this mission, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) will be genetically engineered with a protein-coding gene associated with DNA damage protection called damage suppressor (Dsup). Dsup is a nucleosome-binding protein from the tardigrade Ramazzottius varieornatus that has a unique ability to prevent DNA damage. This paper describes the feasibility of Minerva CubeSat, which will venture out to cis-lunar orbit with a biosensor payload capable of sustaining and culturing C. elegans under space environment conditions for 4 months. The mission will set in motion a paradigm shift corresponding to future space medicines and how they will be developed in the future, introducing a platform suitable for future experiments in the fields of space biology. Ultimately, the paramount objective of Minerva will be to test the limits of genetic engineering and incorporate it into the arduous journey of human perseverance to overcome the boundaries of space exploration-a vital step in making Mars colonization safe.