Experiment verification test of the Artemis I ‘Deep Space Radiation Genomics’ experiment

When the Artemis missions launch, NASA's Orion spacecraft (and crew as of II mission) will be exposed to deep space radiation environment beyond protection Earth's magnetosphere. Hence, it is essential characterize effects radiation, microgravity, and combination thereof on cells organisms, i.e., quantify any correlations between environment, genetic variation, induced changes in cells. To address this, I mission include Peristaltic Laboratory for Automated Science with Multigenerations (PLASM) hardware containing Deep Space Radiation Genomics (DSRG) experiment. The scientific aims DSRG are (i) identify metabolic genomic pathways yeast affected by their combination, (ii) differentiate gravity exposure single-gene deletion/overexpressing strains' ability thrive spaceflight environment. Yeast used a model system because 70% its genes have human homolog, over half these homologs can functionally replace counterpart. As part experiment preparation towards spaceflight, an Experiment Verification Test (EVT) was performed at Kennedy Center verify that design, hardware, approach automated operations enable achieving aims. For EVT, fluidic systems were assembled, sterilized, loaded, acceptance-tested, subsequently integrated engineering parts produce flight-like PLASM unit. Each consisted Media Bag, four Culture Bags loaded Saccharomyces cerevisiae (two deletion series remaining two overexpression series), (iii) tubing check valves. EVT unit put under temperature profile replicating anticipated different phases flight, including handover splashdown back science team, 58-day period. At completion, rate activation, cellular growth, RNA integrity, sample contamination interrogated. All experiment's success criteria satisfied, encouraging our efforts perform this investigation I. This manuscript thus describes process design maturation focus results, DSRG's planned launch 2022, how other goals future and/or Lunar Orbital Platform – Gateway.