INTEGRATED CHEMICAL-ANALYSIS MICROSYSTEMS IN-SPACE LIFE SCIENCES RESEARCH

A review of life sciences research in space, and the experimental infrastructure available or proposed for future development is presented. The monitoring of a wide range of chemical parameters is required in contrasting experimental configurations, ranging from autonomous experimental modules in sounding rockets, to bioregenerative life support systems on manned planetary bases. Microsystem technologies (MST) are proposed as a solution to the development of integrated chemical analysis systems which will meet both the diverse requirements for chemical monitoring systems, and the constraints of size and power imposed on instrument design by deployment on space missions. It is proposed that these technologies will transform the data yield from experiments, and expand the scope for more creative experimental protocol. The use of MST is illustrated with design concepts for cell microincubators, and a chemical analysis facility. The review concludes that the application to space life science research provides a challenging and unique opportunity for the development of demonstrator prototype microsystems.