23.07.2014: Researchers at the GFZ will send microbiological samples from Siberian permafrost to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Biology and Mars Experiment (BIOMEX). This interdisciplinary project of the European Space Agency (ESA) was launched on 23 July 2014.

The main objective of BIOMEX is to study the stability and resistance of biomolecules, such as pigments and cellular components, under space and Mars-like conditions. The BIOMEX project will send a diverse range of microorganisms as “biological cargo” into space, GFZ section 4.5 Geomicrobiology, headed by Prof. Dirk Wagner, will contribute one species of methane-producing archaea from Siberian permafrost, as “such organisms are considered models for potential life on Mars and the study of their biosignatures in simulated Mars conditions is relevant for space exploration” says Paloma Serrano, a joint GFZ and AWI PhD student. BIOMEX is planned for 12 to 18 months on the ISS, followed by sample retrieval and analysis back on Earth.