Biocontamination Detection in the NDX-1 Planetary Prototype

Starting in 2006, a planetary space suit concept demonstrator called the NDX-1 was designed and built at the Space Suit Laboratory of the University of North Dakota. Up to this date the prototype has been successfully tested by conducting surface operations jointly with NASA in a number of extreme environments around the world. Nevertheless, the prototype requires modifications in some of its principal interacting elements in order to perform more effectively. Such is the case of the pressure-containing bladder, which was studied from a microbiological perspective to address two main aspects: level and type of bacterial contamination of the inner surface of the bladder, and a comparison of microbial retention efficiencies between the current material of the bladder, natural Latex, and a synthetic fabric such as Neoprene. A series of Colony Forming Unit assays were conducted on the inner surface of the pressure-containing bladder, and natural Latex and Neoprene cut-outs. Additional tests with water drops were conducted to obtain further evidence on microbial retention capability of these materials. Results showed that the level of bacteria on the inner surface of the bladder were high according to standards used in the International Space Station. The bacteria types were identified as part of the normal microbial flora of the human skin and environment. Microbial growth on the Neoprene cut-out appeared to be higher than in the one made of natural Latex.