Until now, biological experiments in space have been done many times, but all have been limited to an imaginary sphere containing the Earth and the Moon. It is assumed that a small cube satellite with yeast cells on it will enter a heliocentric orbit. After that, scientists will begin to study the effects of cosmic radiation on yeast.

The BioSentinel project is the first of its kind to send living organisms into space like never before.

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Cosmic radiation occurs when atoms move so fast that they “lose” electrons. The bombardment of such particles is extremely harmful to living organisms, but normally humans and other life on Earth are shielded by the planet’s magnetic field.

Because yeast cells function in much the same way as human cells, including carrying DNA, they are excellent for assessing the effects of cosmic radiation in deep space, and the experiment will suggest what might happen to humans during prolonged flight.

The yeast cells will begin their journey in a dry environment on small cards in the cubesat. During the flight to the Moon, the BioSentinel satellite will at a certain stage leave the company of its “brothers” and enter a heliocentric orbit. Outside of the Earth’s magnetic field, mission personnel will be able to “activate” the yeast and then begin a 12-month journey.

Learn more about the BioSentinel study: Watch the video

BioSentinel replicates two more similar experiments. One of them will be held on the ISS, and the other will be held on Earth. By comparing the obtained data, scientists will be able to study the effect of cosmic radiation on Earth in low Earth orbit and in deep space. This is expected to provide invaluable information for future manned journeys to Mars and beyond.