GM syrup for astronauts
Bacteria producing food for astronauts will be tested in orbit
Scientists plan to test genetically modified sugar-producing bacteria in near–Earth orbit as an autonomous power source for future space flights. This is reported by New Scientist (Mission space food: Sugar-growing bacteria go into orbit).
Microorganisms will be sent on a flight on the German Eu: CROPIS satellite in 2017 to check how well they tolerate launch, space radiation and reduced gravity. The satellite will spend six months in orbit, moving at a speed sufficient to simulate Martian gravity. In addition, the bacteria will also be tested in lunar gravity and weightlessness mode (to test their ability to survive on the Moon and on space stations).
The tested system is based on Anabaena plankton: these organisms produce sugars from carbon dioxide, water and sunlight (using photosynthesis). Lynn Rothschild's group from the Ames Research Center (NASA) has modified Anabaena genes so that plankton feeds sugars to other genetically modified bacteria, which, in turn, will become raw materials for food, fuel and medicines.
On board the satellite, Bacillus subtilis microbes will turn sucrose from Anabaena into a red pigment. A special sensor will detect color changes, which will show how well the plankton functions in space conditions. It will not be possible to check this on Earth, since the satellite will burn up in the atmosphere. Most of all, Rothschild fears that Anabaena spores will not germinate after rehydration on board the satellite.
As part of the Eu: CROPIS project, other experiments will take place: for example, a German group led by Jens Hauslage will grow tomatoes, fertilizers for which bacteria and algae are produced from artificial urine.
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01.12.2015