The module M6 Biology lab provides a laboratory environment for microbiological research and an area for medical infrastructure. Topics under investigation will include the analyses of microbial bioburden and biodiversity and the influence humans have on this diversity, as well as aspects of bioregenerative life support systems. Part of the preparation and evaluation of biological space experiments will be performed here.
In addition to the laboratories for microbiology module M6 includes rooms for physical examinations, small visitors’ rooms, a larger seminar room for up to 10 people, as well as a kitchenette and sanitary area.
M6’s lab area consists of a total of 5 laboratory rooms (one of which is a ISO class 8 clean room), as well as an experiment preparation room. The laboratory area is built according to state-of-the-art technological safety requirements for microbiological and genetic research. All laboratories are equipped with high-tech laboratory workbenches. Laboratory refrigerators, freezers with temperatures that reach -80 degrees Celsius, sinks and cabinets are standard. In addition, refrigerated incubators, incubation shakers, biological safety cabinets and a laboratory washer, an autoclave, a steriliser and water purification system selected for microbiological experiments are provided.
A sophisticated microscope and documentation system and the design of the module supports microbiological research as well as biological space experiment preparation and analysis. The close proximity of M6 to the medical core area is crucial to facilitating investigations on the microbial diversity and its adaptations with respect to inhabited closed areas.
M6.envihab@dlr.de