Overview

The Tanpopo Mission, conducted from 2015, involves experiments on the “exposure of organic matter and microorganisms to space” and the “collection of cosmic dust and microorganisms” using experimental equipment installed on the Exposed Experiment Handrail Attachment Mechanism (ExHAM) of the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” on the International Space Station (ISS). This simple space exposure device, fixed to the handrail of the ExHAM, holds experimental panels exposed to the space environment.

The scientific objectives of the Tanpopo Mission are to verify both the “transportation of organic matter, the building blocks of life, to Earth via cosmic dust” and the “possibility of interplanetary transfer of terrestrial life.” Researchers from 26 universities and research institutions across Japan are collaborating on this project, employing various approaches.

Observation Instruments

Exposure Panel (EP)

The Exposure Panel (EP) consists of 20 exposure units, each measuring 10 cm × 10 cm × 2 cm. These units contain microorganisms or organic matter that are exposed to the space environment.

Capture Panel (CP)

The Capture Panel (CP) is designed to collect high-speed particles traveling through space. It uses ultra-low-density silica aerogel to minimize deformation upon impact. The outer layer is reinforced with aerogel of three times the density to prevent breakage.

Please see more details in this page.

Achievements (Expected Outcomes)

The experimental devices were retrieved from space after a certain period (1 to 3 years) and brought back to Earth after being taken into the pressurized section of “Kibo.”

The exposure experiment using the EP has reported results from culturing radiation-resistant and desiccation-resistant bacteria exposed to space for one year. Analysis of samples exposed for 2-3 years is ongoing to study changes over time, focusing on how long microorganisms can survive space travel.

The capture experiment using the CP has found over 300 traces of high-speed particle impacts (larger than 0.1 mm). Numerous researchers in Japan are analyzing these traces. Detailed data and analysis results of the impact traces are being prepared for a database at Aizu University.

The Tanpopo Mission continues to contribute valuable data for understanding the potential for interplanetary transfer of life and the delivery of life’s building blocks to Earth via cosmic dust.