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Astrobiology
Technology Branch (SSR) Overview
The Astrobiology Technology Branch
supports fundamental research and the development of advanced technologies in
astrobiology as they relate to the exploration of space and understanding life
in the universe. Current branch efforts encompass research and technology development
for advanced life support, utilization of planetary resources, and astrobiology.
Advanced Life Support focused research is directed primarily at physicochemical
processes for use in regenerative life support systems required for future human
missions and includes atmosphere revitalization, water recovery, waste processing/resource
recovery, and systems modeling, analysis and controls associated with integrated
subsystems operation. In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) technologies will become
increasingly important on every Mars lander between 2003 and a human mission to
Mars. The branch focus is on the development of technologies for Mars atmosphere
acquisition, buffer gas production, and CO2 compression. Research and technology
development for astrobiology includes understanding the physical and chemical
limits to which life has adapted on Earth, the molecular adaptations that have
allowed living systems to inhabit extreme environments, and the application of
this knowledge to biotechnology, nanotechnology, and planetary protection. Researchers
in the branch also develop flight experiments and associated hardware for shuttle,
ISS, and unmanned NASA missions.
Mark Kliss
Chief, Astrobiology Technology
Branch (SSR)
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