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Long-term biological investigations in space
R G Lotz1, H Fuchs, U Bertsche
1Extraterrestrische Biologie Universitat Frankfurt.
Acta Astronautica
|January 1, 1975
Summary
Leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) are suitable for long-term space missions due to their low maintenance needs and resilience. Their adaptability to space conditions, including radiation and microgravity, is being studied to understand biological responses.
Area of Science:
- Space biology
- Astrobiology
- Animal physiology
Background:
- Long-duration space missions require understanding biological organism adaptation.
- Previous experiments with vertebrates were unsuitable for resource-limited long-term spaceflight.
- The leech (Hirudo medicinalis) shows promise for space missions due to its low resource needs and longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the suitability of leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) for long-term space missions.
- To study the effects of space environment stressors on leech physiology and biochemistry.
- To evaluate the adaptive and repair capabilities of biological organisms in space.
Main Methods:
- Experiments focused on leech metabolic rhythm, motility, resorption, diffusion, development, and growth.
- Investigated effects of cosmic proton radiation and zero-gravity on leeches.
- Utilized a successfully tested leech life-support system on sounding rocket flights.
Main Results:
- Leeches can survive over 2 years without feeding, consuming up to 10 times their weight in blood.
- The leech life-support system has been validated through four sounding rocket missions.
- Cellular life constancy in mature leeches supports their suitability for space.
Conclusions:
- Hirudo medicinalis is a viable model organism for long-term spaceflight research.
- Understanding leech adaptation provides insights into biological responses to space stressors.
- Further research will elucidate biological readjustment and repair mechanisms in space environments.