Browsing by Author "Roman, Monsi"
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Item Inflight Microbial Monitoring- an alternative method to culture based detection currently used on the International Space Station(45th International Conference on Environmental Systems, 2015-07-12) Khodadad, Christina L.; Birmele, Michele N.; Roman, Monsi; Hummerick, Mary E.; Smith, David J.; Wheeler, Raymond M.Previous research has shown that potentially destructive microorganisms and human pathogens have been detected on the International Space Station (ISS). The likelihood of introducing new microorganisms occurs with every exchange of crew or addition of equipment or supplies. Microorganisms introduced to the ISS are readily transferred between crew and subsystems (i.e. ECLSS, environmental control and life support systems). Current microbial characterization methods require enrichment of microorganisms and at least a 48-hour incubation time. This increases the microbial load while detecting only a limited number of the total microorganisms. The culture based method detects approximately 1-10% of the total organisms present and provides no identification. To identify and enumerate ISS microbes requires that samples be returned to Earth for complete analysis. Therefore, a more expedient, low-cost, in-flight method of microbial detection, identification, and enumeration is warranted. The RAZOR EX, a ruggedized, commercial off the shelf, real-time PCR field instrument was tested for its ability to detect microorganisms at low concentrations within one hour. Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica Typhimurium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were detected at low levels using real-time DNA amplification. Total heterotrophic counts could also be detected using a 16S gene marker that can identify up to 98% of all bacteria. To reflect viable cells found in the samples, RNA was also detectable using a modified, single-step reverse transcription reaction.Item NASA Centennial Challenges Deep Space Food Challenge Competition to Incentive Innovation in Food Systems for Long-Duration Space Exploration Missions(50th International Conference on Environmental Systems, 7/12/2021) Roman, Monsi; Herblet, Angela; Broyan, James; Douglas, Grace; Turner, DawnThe Centennial Challenges (CC) program, currently part of NASA�s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD), is one of the vehicles NASA uses to develop and execute public prize competitions. Since opening its first challenge in 2005, the CC program has initiated more than 20 challenges in a variety of technology areas. This paper provides the background, development and execution of the Deep Space Food Challenge as one approach to fulfilling NASA�s Space Policy Directive 1 (�To the Moon, then Mars�). Specifics about the CC program�s accomplishments will also be discussed. The Deep Space Food Challenge (DSF) was developed in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to create novel food production technologies with minimal inputs, maximum safe, nutritious, palatable food outputs for long-duration space missions, which have potential to benefit people on Earth. When humans return to the lunar surface in the mid-2020s, the early missions will use prepackaged foods similar to those in use on the International Space Station (ISS) today. However, extending the duration of lunar missions requires reducing resupply dependency on Earth. Testing a sustainable system on the Moon that meets lunar crews� needs is a fundamental step for lunar sustainability and future Mars exploration. NASA and CSA are focused on how to furnish crew members with a viable food system for long duration space missions that provides all daily nutritional needs through a variety of palatable, safe food with limited resource requirements and no dependency on resupply from Earth; and enables acceptable, safe and quick preparation methods. On Earth, technology solutions for food systems could also be used to produce nutritional sources for urban and rural environments; potentially leading to a reduced impact on our Earth�s resources. Challenges, such as the DSF, are an embodiment of NASA�s continuing commitment to technological advancement and innovation through non-traditional programs.Item NASA Centennial Challenges Program: A crowdsourcing tool to advance life support technologies for future NASA missions(49th International Conference on Environmental Systems, 2019-07-07) Roman, Monsi; Anderson, Molly; Herblet, Angela; Frangione, Christopher; Bravo, JenniferHistorically, competitions and prizes such as those executed by the NASA Centennial Challenges (CC) Program have created broader avenues through which to spur innovation from unlikely sources. Examples of past successful competitions include the Orteig Prize that in 1920s offered $25,000 for any person who could fly across the Atlantic Ocean, won by Charles Lindberg and the Ansari X Prize that in 2004 awarded to Mojave Aerospace Ventures for their SpaceShipOne $10,000,000 for the first non-government organization to launch a reusable manned spacecraft into space twice within two weeks. With these historic examples in mind that in 2005, Congress amended the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to authorize NASA to create challenges through which prizes could be awarded to United States citizens or entities that succeeded in meeting the challenge objectives. The Centennial Challenges (CC) program, currently part of NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD), open the first challenge competition in 2005. Challenges selected by the CC program are thoroughly deliberated through broad consultations with subject matter experts (SME), both inside and outside the federal government. In the past 13 years, the CC program has initiated more than 19 challenges in a variety of technology areas, including: propulsion, robotics, communications and navigation, human health, science instrumentation, nanotech, materials/structures and aerodynamics. This paper will discuss the status and the accomplishments of the CC program and discuss results of an Ideation Workshop designed to brainstorm and formulate topics for the potential StarHab Centennial Challenge competition focused on targeting life support technology gaps for future long-term exploration missions. The workshop brought together experts from NASA, the private sector, and academia to brainstorm and formulate topic ideas and concepts for a competition. Status of the challenge and information on how to use crowdsourcing tools will also be discussed.