Microscopic Characterization of Biological and Inert Particles Associated with Spacecraft Assembly Cleanroom.

ABSTRACT: NASA cleanrooms are certified by particle counts and are humidity-controlled, temperature-regulated, and oligotrophic in nature for assembling spacecraft subsystems. Microorganisms, which are not part of the cleanroom certification metrics, should not be overlooked when assessing the cleanliness of the facility since they can enter through soil or air, shed from humans, adapt to the oligotrophic conditions, and subsequently could contaminate spacecraft. These biogenic particles need to be identified to extend our knowledge of biological contamination for future NASA mission use. This study collected particles from the cleanroom and estimated the distribution of fallout microbial cell and inert dust particles using microscopy and molecular techniques. Aluminum coupon-based polycarbonate fil

SUBMITTER: Malli Mohan GB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6776515 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature