High-altitude balloon platform for studying the biological response of living organisms exposed to near-space environments
Issued Date
2024-03-30
Resource Type
ISSN
24058440
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85187358794
Journal Title
Heliyon
Volume
10
Issue
6
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Heliyon Vol.10 No.6 (2024)
Suggested Citation
Klomchitcharoen S., Wechakarn P., Tangwattanasirikun T., Smerwong N., Netrapathompornkij P., Chatmeeboon T., Nangsue N., Thitasirivit V., Kaweewongsunthorn K., Piyanopharoj S., Phumiprathet P., Wongsawat Y. High-altitude balloon platform for studying the biological response of living organisms exposed to near-space environments. Heliyon Vol.10 No.6 (2024). doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27406 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/97669
Title
High-altitude balloon platform for studying the biological response of living organisms exposed to near-space environments
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
The intangible desire to explore the mysteries of the universe has driven numerous advancements for humanity for centuries. Extraterrestrial journeys are becoming more realistic as a result of human curiosity and endeavors. Over the years, space biology research has played a significant role in understanding the hazardous effects of the space environment on human health during long-term space travel. The inevitable consequence of a space voyage is space ionizing radiation, which has deadly aftereffects on the human body. The paramount objective of this study is to provide a robust platform for performing biological experiments within the Earth's stratosphere by utilizing high-altitude balloons. This platform allows the use of a biological payload to simulate spaceflight missions within the unique properties of space that cannot be replicated in terrestrial facilities. This paper describes the feasibility and demonstration of a biological balloon mission suitable for students and scientists to perform space biology experiments within the boundary of the stratosphere. In this study, a high-altitude balloon was launched into the upper atmosphere (∼29 km altitude), where living microorganisms were exposed to a hazardous combination of UV irradiation, ultralow pressure and cold shock. The balloon carried the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to investigate microbial survival potential under extreme conditions. The results indicated a notable reduction in biosample mortality two orders of magnitude (2-log) after exposure to 164.9 kJ m−2 UV. Postflight experiments have shown strong evidence that the effect of UV irradiation on living organisms is stronger than that of other extreme conditions.