In a new report now published in npj Microgravity, Zachary Estlack and a research team in mechanical engineering and space sciences at the University of Utah and the University of California, Berkeley, developed a microfluidic organic analyzer to detect life signatures beyond Earth and to clinically monitor astronaut health. The team performed extensive environmental tests across diverse gravitational atmospheres to confirm the functionality of the analyzer and its level of technology readiness.
The planetary scientists simulated environments of lunar, Martian, zero and hypergravity conditions typically encountered during a parabolic flight to confirm the functionality of the microfluidic analyzer. The study outcomes pave the way to integrate microfluidic instruments in a range of space mission opportunities.
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