Are there diseases in space?
Summary
Host Anand Jagatia explores listener George’s question about space diseases with astrobiologist Dr. Michaela Musalova and astronaut Kate Rubins. They discuss the risks of alien microbes, how space travel weakening astronauts' immune systems, and planetary protection protocols. The episode highlights strict clean-room measures at Airbus to prevent Earth bacteria from contaminating Mars missions.
Topics discussed
Sponsor segment on the Prince's Islands in Istanbul
Introduction: Listener question about diseases in space
Astrobiologist on microbial survival in extreme environments
Planetary protection and risks of backward contamination
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Microbiologist Kate Rubins on ISS microbial research
Spaceflight effects on astronaut immune systems and viruses
Medical challenges for long-duration missions to Moon and Mars
The risk of forward contamination: Earth microbes in space
Inside the Airbus clean room for spacecraft assembly
ExoMars rover sterilization and material choices
Survival of Earth microbes on Mars and conclusion
Credits and closing remarks
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