Active plasma sterilizer for planetary protection and contamination control for space missions

Area of Science:

• Space Science
• Microbiology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Planetary protection protocols require effective sterilization methods for space missions.
• Existing sterilization methods may have limitations regarding temperature, materials, or chemical usage.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce and evaluate a novel, compact plasma sterilization system, the Active Plasma Sterilizer (APS).
• Assess the APS system's decontamination efficacy and material compatibility for space applications.

Main Methods:

• Developed the Active Plasma Sterilizer (APS) through iterative design and testing.
• Conducted decontamination tests using Deinococcus radiodurans, Geobacillus stearothermophilus, and Aspergillus fumigatus on various materials.
• Performed material compatibility tests on Stainless Steel 316, Teflon PTFE, and FR-4 PCB using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

Main Results:

• Achieved 4 to 5 log reduction, up to complete killing, of tested microbes within 45 minutes.
• Demonstrated no visible material degradation on Stainless Steel 316, Teflon PTFE, and FR-4 PCB after exposure.
• Verified the APS system's effectiveness on relevant space mission materials.

Conclusions:

• The Active Plasma Sterilizer (APS) is an effective sterilization technology for planetary protection.
• APS offers advantages including low-temperature operation, compact size, and material compatibility.
• The system meets critical requirements for space mission decontamination, ensuring biological safety.