Scientists of the Russian NPO Typhoon proposed to study space dust for the presence of microorganisms harmful to human health, as well as the effect of dust on space technology using orbital "traps", follows from the report that scientists will present at the "Royal Readings".
“Analyzes of cosmic dust samples using various modern methods in laboratory conditions will allow us to assess their danger. The hazard assessment of the samples will be carried out according to the ratio of identified and unidentified microorganisms, which is also extremely important for ensuring the microbiological safety of manned flights and the human environment,”reads the abstract of the report, published on the official website of“Readings”.
The space dust research program, according to the document, will consist of three stages. On the first of them, with the help of an experimental meteorological rocket, it is proposed to place instruments in orbits with heights of 100, 200 and 300 kilometers to assess the properties of near-earth space that affect the spread of cosmic dust.
At the second stage, using the data obtained, it is planned to "design devices (traps) capable of operating in various environmental conditions for the sorption of cosmic dust particles by various physical principles (active or passive methods)." The third stage is working out the safe delivery of "traps" to the Earth and to the laboratory, the authors of the report note.
"The obtained research results will serve as the initial data for determining the shape of the system of quarantine measures to ensure the sanitary safety of the Earth," the scientists add.