CSS is at the forefront of life sciences R&D that support both Earth and Space science. We were selected to develop an experiment payload to examine the effect of microgravity throughout the various stages of fermentation. The viticulture, or winemaking, industry has been selectively growing vine cultivars with different traits for millennia. The micro flora that coexists with the plant and fruit may be one of the key factors that influence the final product. To better understand the role and impact of microbes, a key approach would be to observe and measure the potential phenotypic and genotypic differences of the micro flora when they are exposed to a unique and/or stressful environment.  Use of the ISS provides a unique environmental stressor consistently for microbial activity to occur in the grape juice and demonstrate micro flora expression throughout the critical stages of fermentation. This research can be targeted toward improving universal crop production characteristics including yield, size, nutrition, etc. for a positive impact for use in space exploration as well as Earth application. 

The primary objective of this investigation was to induce fermentation in microgravity conditions representing a unique environmental stressor to important microbes responsible for fermentation. We hypothesized that the growth kinetics would trend differently amongst the existing populations of microbes native to the grapes, and that different microbial types would proliferate and become the dominant species in the fermenting juices when exposed to environmental stressors, and that these differences in expression would have an impact on various elements of grape juice as it ferments.

Additional Projects

Quick Response Guides for Emergency Response

CSS prepares tactical, field, and quick response guides used by EPA OSCs and other first responders to address a wide range of contaminants.

Biogeographic Assessment of the Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI)

CSS compiled and visualized data showing the distribution of habitats and marine organisms, to establish a baseline for assessing and monitoring potential environmental impacts from renewable energy projects.

Analytical Support for the Drinking Water Emergency in Flint, Michigan

Helping 100,000 Residents Affected by Elevated Lead Levels in Local Water Supply Lead contamination found in the drinking water in Flint, Michigan had a catastrophic impact on the community and its residents. CSS supported EPA’s response to the crisis by providing mobile and fixed analytical laboratory services and data review.  Over a nine-month period, our…

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