Short Wave The Microbiologist Studying The Giant Floating Petri Dish In Space
4 snips
Oct 13, 2023 Monsi Roman, the chief microbiologist for life support systems at the International Space Station, joins to reveal the intricacies of managing microbes in space. She discusses the remarkable recycling processes that turn urine into drinking water and how microbes can thrive in human waste. Roman highlights the risks of biofilms to the ISS's structural integrity while emphasizing the balance needed for astronaut health. Prepare to rethink bacteria, as they can be both problematic and beneficial in future space exploration!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Microbes in Space
- Monsi Roman joined NASA in 1989 to design the International Space Station's life support systems.
- This involved figuring out how microbes would behave in space and prevent mission disruptions.
Wastewater Recycling
- Recycling urine and other wastewater into drinking water was a crucial aspect of the ISS life support system.
- This posed significant microbiological challenges.
Biofilm Threat
- Biofilms, communities of microbes growing on surfaces, posed a threat to the space station's integrity.
- Rumors circulated about bacteria eating the epoxy on the Mir space station's windows.