- View more resources from this publisherTeachers TV
Micro-organisms in Space
From Teachers TV, this Inside Science video describes an investigation into MELISSA, an artificial eco-system intended for long-duration space missions. This includes discussions with astronauts about the role of micro-organisms in space travel, such as a two year mission to Mars. MELISSA, or Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative, has been developed as an artificial closed loop eco-system in which micro-organisms are used to break down human waste, produce nutrients for plants, absorb carbon dioxide, produce oxygen, and grow edible algae.
At labs in Belgium and Barcelona, scientists give updates on the MELISSA project experiments, and explain the types and functions of various micro-organisms involved. They also talk about the unknowns of microbial evolution, the risks of mutation, and the need to do further space-based testing. The video helps to illustrate careers in science and aspects of how science works.
Show health and safety information
Please be aware that resources have been published on the website in the form that they were originally supplied. This means that procedures reflect general practice and standards applicable at the time resources were produced and cannot be assumed to be acceptable today. Website users are fully responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is in accordance with current regulations related to health and safety and that an appropriate risk assessment has been carried out.