Development of the Microbial Online Monitoring Module (MOMM) for the Chinese Space Station

Abstract

The enclosed space environment demands sustainable environmental control systems. Space stations and interstellar missions, both need reliable environmental control and life support systems for crewed flights and long-term habitation. These long-duration space missions require monitoring for potential pathogens and microbial contamination, which is crucial for astronaut health and the reliable operation of space equipment. To meet this critical need, the China Space Station (CSS) is equipped with the Microbial Online Monitoring Module (MOMM), which integrates two methods for microbial detection, the first method involves cultivating microorganisms in culture dishes for observation, while the second method uses isothermal nucleic acid amplification and detection technology based on Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification(LAMP). This equipment is applied in the microgravity environment of the space station to achieve rapid detection of microbial species and abundance in orbit. Hardware function validation tests and validation experiments of the sensitivity and shelf life of the reagents were conducted on the ground, and several full-process microbial detection experiments were carried out to ensure the function and feasibility of the MOMM. Subsequently, an experimental process of microbial cultivation and observation was successfully carried out on the CSS using air samples from the space station. The MOMM allows for early detection of microbes in orbit, contributing to implementing targeted biosecurity and maintenance measures.