Biological Experiments in Space

Biological Experiments in Space: 30 Years Investigating Life in Space Orbit covers investigations of plant, algae, animals, fish, microorganisms and tissue cultures on space flights, beginning with the first orbital space station on Salyut 1. The book includes results on the influence of the entire complex of physical factors associated with spaceflight on biological systems, including analysis of the impact of microgravity on organisms, as well as the effects of electric and magnetic fields. This book offers important insights for researchers of space biology and astrobiology, as well as space agency and industry specialists developing future space stations and missions. Lack of gravity, temperature and chemical gradients, magnetic and electrical fields, spectral composition and intensity of light, and high-energy cosmic radiation influence many important metabolic and physiological processes in animals, plants, and microorganisms, as well as transfer phenomena in and around them. Success of future space exploration depends on understanding the effects of these factors on biological organisms and developing appropriate countermeasures, aimed at improving growth, development, and reproduction in microgravity.

Dr. Kondyurin is Honorary Senior Researcher, at the School of Physics, University of Sydney, Australia. His previous posts include Professor at the Institute of Mechanics, Perm State University, Russia, and Researcher at the Helmholtz Rossendorf Nuclear Center, Dresden, Germany. Dr. Kondyurin has over 200 scientific publications to his name, including 6 published books, and holds 6 patents. He has extensive experience working on projects funded by governmental or industry bodies, receiving the Astronautic Association Award “Medal of Achievements in Astronautics’ in 2008, and the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship in 2001.Dr. Kondyurin is a Chartered Member of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS), and a member of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE). He has also been guest editor for the Advanced Space Research Journal, and editor of a special issue ‘Energetic Materials and Processes’ for the Materials journal.Dr. Kondyurin’s main research interests are the design, synthesis and characterization of advanced polymer materials, spectroscopy usage and techniques, plasma and ion beam implantation methods, surface analysis, and mechanical analysis.