BIOLEX – The biology and lunar experient within logos cube CUBE

Abstract

BIOLEX (BIOlogy and Lunar EXperiments) tries to fulfil a large number of scientific investigations in reference to Astrobiology and Space Life Sciences. In situ Measurement operations through spectrometers (such as Raman, IR, UV/VIS and environmental sensors) on an exposure platform designed as a LOGOS cube (Lunar Organisms, Geo-microbiology and Organics Space experiment) which is including a micro-greenhouse device are part of this concept. The lunar environment is much harsher compared to Mars; on one hand exposure experiments on biomolecules in this environment could provide information on their stability and therefore on the value to be used as reference for future life detection missions to Mars and the icy ocean moons in the outer solar system. On the other hand resources of the Moon such as regolith or the freely available solar radiation could be additionally tested by using them in a microgreenhouse. Within this greenhouse different filters could test the optimal spectra range of the radiation to be used e.g. for plants. Using original lunar resources such lunar regolith or even dust to the green house would even be of benefit to investigate also the effect of lunar minerals as addition to still existing nutrients in an exposed greenhouse. BIOLEX is a concept partly designed as heritage of the ESA space experiment BIOMEX (Biology and Mars Experiment) on the EXPOSE platform of the ISS and a step further to the actual ESA ISS BioSigN experiment including also ecosystem research in a separate cube. It is focusing on several research topics, such as “efficient nutrient production”, "habitability" and "the search for biomarkers for the detection of life". This holistic concept tries to gain in a wide range significant knowledge on bio-relevant space- and planetary research topics, which might be an essential basis for improvement of the robotic and human interplanetary exploration (to Moon, Mars, Enceladus, Titan and Europa / including sample return).