Scientists are now using the deep Boulby potash mine to know more about surviving and thriving in outer space.
Mars-Like Conditions
MailOnline reports that University of Birmingham researchers are using one of the UK's deepest mines to know more about surviving and thriving in other worlds through this Bio-SPHERE project. Learning about survival and performing medical processes are among the many experiments that are set to be conducted in the Boulby potash mine.
The researchers will be putting up a base in the isolated and remote tunnels of this deep mine situated near the Staithes. Back in 2001, a deep underground science laboratory was constructed in the said mine to aid in searching for dark matter. The Telegraph notes that the area is sufficiently secluded for it to be shielded from the radiation that bombards the Earth.
However, the dark and salty conditions in such chambers seemingly mirror that of Mars. Previously, astrobiologists have explored the tunnels to find microbes that may shed light on what extraterrestrial life on Mars would look like. Now, they will be using the caverns to recreate the Red Planet.
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Recreating the Red Planet in a Deep Mine
The researchers will have to operate cut from the surface and with minimal access to equipment or materials. They will be using ultra-low radiation equipment to see if underground homes would be effective in protecting the crew against radiation.
Mirror reports that Dr. Alexanda Iordachescu, the study's lead researcher from the School of Chemical Engineering at the university, explains that the capability will help collect data that may offer advice regarding life support systems, biomaterials, and systems. These could be utilized for medical emergencies and tissue repair that may follow damage in missions in deep space.
MailOnline adds that such data could also help with applications based on Earth. This may include the delivery of biomedical treatments in hazardous conditions or remote regions. Generally, the data could enable a better understanding of biomedical workflows in environments that are not ideal.
The Mars Simulation has been deployed in a tunnel that spans 3,000 meters through salt deposits that are over 250 million years old. The scientists will be stationed in a module that is 9-feet-wide. This module is specifically designed for them to test medical procedures for treating tissue damages. Treatments, such as hydrogels, polymer-based medicines, and other fluids, will be put into test in this area.
The researchers will also be testing if staying in underground habitats would be effective in combating radiation and extreme temperature levels.
This base may likely not be the last, as the team has plans to conduct another six-module pod of space simulation. They may use this to test tissue engineering and surgeries on top of recovery procedures.
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