ISSN:
1573-0875
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Geosciences
Notes:
Abstract The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) requires that microorganisms which could contaminate the surface of the moon as the result of lunar missions be enumerated and identified so that life forms in lunar materials returned to earth may be more easily recognized as being of native or terrestrial origin. Assessment of microbial contamination in the intramural environments used for the assembly and test of the manned lunar spacecraft (Apollo) was made using fallout strips and air samplers. Microbial contamination on the surfaces of Apollo Command and Lunar Modules was determined by use of the swab-rinse method. Preliminary results indicate that the levels of microbial contamination which accumulated on exposed stainless steel surfaces, as well as airborne microbial contamination in the high bay assembly areas, were similar to those encountered in the unmanned spacecraft assembly areas. However, higher levels of microbial contamination were detected on the Apollo spacecraft than on the unmanned lunar spacecraft.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00928955
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