MEANS TO DEVELOP SPACE MICROBIOLOGY
Abstract
The launching of artificial earth satellites and rockets marks a new stage in the development of all branches of knowledge. New, exceptionally interesting problems confront biology and medicine and, in connection with this, new specialties are appearing. Space microbiology c n, in truth be called such a new specialty. Its purpose is to study microscopic forms of life on the planets and other celestial bodiesAND ALSO TO USE MICROORGANISMS FOR STUDYING THE CONDITIONS OF LIFE IN SPACE. Whereas the effect of space factors on physiological performances can be studied in highly organized animals, the determination of the limits of cell viability in time and genetic variations can be investigated mainly by means of microorganisms sent into space. A determination of the time that large animals can stay in space is restricted by the supplies of food and oxygen, and a study of the genetic effect is ha pered by the slow change of generations in animals. But it is a different matter with microorganisms. Certain of them can be sent into the Universe for an indefinite perio of time. At the same time the extremely rapid change of their generations makes it possible to establish the genetic effect of space factors. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 15, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0277649
Entities
People
- I. Mayskiy
- N. Zhukov-verezhnikov
- V. Yakolev
Organizations
- National Air and Space Intelligence Center