Spores in artificial meteorites, the experiment spores on expose

The experiment "Spores in artificial meteorites" (SPORES) will be accommodated in the EXPOSE facility outside of the Columbus module of the ISS. Spores of bacteria, fungi and ferns, which are especially adapted to survive extreme conditions, will be embedded in artificial meteorites and exposed to selected parameters of space. The experiment consists of the following three sub-units: (i) laminated structure where layers of meteorite material are sandwiched with biological layers, (ii) intermixed structure with a layer of meteorite powder mixed with biological systems, and (iii) monitoring of UV radiation and cosmic ionising radiation. After 3 years in space, the viability and impairment of the spores will be analysed in the laboratory using a set of biological and biochemical assays. The experiment will provide experimental clues to the question whether meteorite material offers enough protection against the harsh environment of space for spores to survive a long-term stay in space.