Tardigrade Bio-ExplorAtion Reproduction Research Satellite (tBEARR)
Abstract
Title: Tardigrade Bio-Exploration Reproduction Research Satellite (tBEARR)
Authors: Joshua T. Lozano, Natalie Brattain, Luke Ritchie, Zachary Readdick
Faculty Mentor Name: Dr. Alba Chavez
Tardigrades are known for their ability to survive in some of the harshest conditions which includes extreme temperatures, near volcanoes, highly radioactive environments, and even the vacuum of space. The project, Tardigrade Bio-ExplorAtion Reproduction Research Satellite (tBEARR), aims to design a 3U CubeSat studying the impact of solar rays on the reproduction cycle of tardigrades. The Payload Team’s primary focus is to design the 3U CubeSat to maintain viability of the onboard life support systems for the tardigrades while collecting on orbit data. The Research Team aims to conduct on-ground lab research on the tardigrades to acquire data that can be compared to that which is gathered in orbit. The results the Research Team collects will also be used by the Payload Team for the design and structure of the satellite. The results from our research may offer insights on the tardigrades’ ability to resist harsh conditions such as microgravity, anoxia, and radiation, as well as insights in 3U CubeSat designs for culturing living microorganisms while in orbit.
Tardigrade Bio-ExplorAtion Reproduction Research Satellite (tBEARR)
Title: Tardigrade Bio-Exploration Reproduction Research Satellite (tBEARR)
Authors: Joshua T. Lozano, Natalie Brattain, Luke Ritchie, Zachary Readdick
Faculty Mentor Name: Dr. Alba Chavez
Tardigrades are known for their ability to survive in some of the harshest conditions which includes extreme temperatures, near volcanoes, highly radioactive environments, and even the vacuum of space. The project, Tardigrade Bio-ExplorAtion Reproduction Research Satellite (tBEARR), aims to design a 3U CubeSat studying the impact of solar rays on the reproduction cycle of tardigrades. The Payload Team’s primary focus is to design the 3U CubeSat to maintain viability of the onboard life support systems for the tardigrades while collecting on orbit data. The Research Team aims to conduct on-ground lab research on the tardigrades to acquire data that can be compared to that which is gathered in orbit. The results the Research Team collects will also be used by the Payload Team for the design and structure of the satellite. The results from our research may offer insights on the tardigrades’ ability to resist harsh conditions such as microgravity, anoxia, and radiation, as well as insights in 3U CubeSat designs for culturing living microorganisms while in orbit.