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TECHNOLOGY FOR FUNDAMENTAL SPACE BIOLOGY.  J. Hines¹, B. Yost², K. A. Souza³  NASA Ames Research Center¹,SETI Institute²,  Girvan Institute of Technology³, Moffett Field, CA

    A “Technology for Fundamental Space Biology Workshop” was conducted by NASA Ames Research Center to envision and brainstorm novel autonomous and miniaturized biological technologies and integrated systems for next-generation space biology research.  The workshop focused on technologies that support research with a variety of well characterized high use species, from cells through small plants and animals.  The science drivers for the workshop were derived from the goals and objectives of NASA’s Fundamental Space Biology (FSB) program.  Workshop participants were instructed to consider technologies that could be flown on at least one of the following flight platforms, the ISS, Shuttle, and automated uncrewed satellites (free flyers). Participants included Nobel Laureates, members of the National Academy of Sciences, and scientists and engineers from NASA and other government, industry, academic and private laboratories.  

The workshop addressed the current span of equipment available for FSB research in space and evaluated the potential for making 21^st century technologies available to FSB scientists. Representative fields of interest covered at the workshop included cell and molecular, radiation, developmental, and organismal biology.  Ideally, technologies and integrated systems that support these science disciplines will enable  in-situ monitoring and control, autonomous sampling, imaging, analysis, preservation, and remote modification of protocols as driven by interesting scientific results. The results of the workshop will be presented with the intent to encourage the evaluation and commentary of the ASGSB FSB community