Klomchitcharoen S.Wechakarn P.Tangwattanasirikun T.Smerwong N.Netrapathompornkij P.Chatmeeboon T.Nangsue N.Thitasirivit V.Kaweewongsunthorn K.Piyanopharoj S.Phumiprathet P.Wongsawat Y.Mahidol University2024-03-192024-03-192024-03-30Heliyon Vol.10 No.6 (2024)24058440https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/97669The 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.MultidisciplinaryArticleSCOPUS10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e274062-s2.0-85187358794